of Batesville, AR
May 15, 1931 - October 9, 2019
Russell Ellsworth Bridgewater Jr., 88, of Batesville went home to be with his Lord and Savior Wednesday evening, October 9, 2019.
He was born May 15, 1931. He was preceded in death by his parents Mildred (Carlson) and Russell Bridgewater Sr. and his, son James Alan Bridgewater.
Russell is survived by his spouse, Katherine (Kindred) Bridgewater of the home; daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and John McGee of Clinton, Missouri; step-sons, Chris, Curtis and Clark Fitzpatrick all of Batesville; seven grandchildren, Eric Bridgewater, Bradley Bridgewater, Robert Chatham, Kelly Morriss, Jeremy McCoy, Katie McCoy and Jacob Wieting; five step-grandchildren, Dusty Fitzpatrick, Joyce Gray, Kelly McCarver, Curtis Fitzpatrick II, and Corey Fitzpatrick; eighteen great-great-grandchildren; and one great granddaughter.
Russell was born in Galesburg, Illinois and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1949. He served his country in the Navy during the Korean War. Following in the steps of his father and grandfather, he went to work at the Burlington Northern Railroad after being honorably discharged from the Navy. Starting out as a fireman position and ending up in management as a Train Master. He was employed by Burlington Northern for 38 years. He was a member of Elks Lodge #1714 and the VFW Post 3246 both of Mountain Home.
Russell loved Jesus. He loved his life as a Christian. He loved his church, Faith Hopewell Cumberland Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder.
Pallbearers are Eric Bridgewater, Bradley Bridgewater, Robert Chatham, Jacob Wieting, Corey Fitzpatrick and John McGee. Honorary pallbearers will be the Men of the Faith Hopewell Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Funeral services will begin at 2:00 pm Sunday, October 13, 2019 at Faith Hopewell Cumberland Presbyterian Church under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Batesville with Rian Puckett officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm Sunday just prior to service at the church.
In lieu of flowers please send memorial gifts to Faith Hopewell Cumberland Presbyterian Women's Ministry, 5630 Harrison Street, Batesville, AR 72501.
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1 Condolence(s)
Tammy Hix
Friday, October 11, 2019
So sorry to hear of Russell's passing, he was a good man, prayers for all of the family. God Bless