Bridges Family Reunion

Born September 13, 1911, Dewood was the oldest of fifteen (15) children born to the union of Joe and Senora Bridges.

He demonstrated a strong capacity for formal education early but was forced to leave school after the fifth (5th) grade to help out on the farm. He never gave up his hunger for knowledge and is well versed in American history and world affairs. Reading has always been a favorite pastime.

Dewood married Neomia Ellis in 1933 and started a family which was to produce the following offsprings:

Robert         Idella           Garnell          Bertha           Dewood Jr

With childdren entering school and a wife in declining health he decided to leave the farm and become a public worker. He worked for a number of years at Duke Power Company plants throughout the state. He insisted that the children attend school regularly. All five graduated from high school and most did further study. He retired from Carolina Freight Carriers of Cherryville, North Carolina in 1968 with 23 years in the trucking business.

Following the death of his first wife, he married Eudell Starr of Cherryville, North Carolina in 1968. He has embraced her four children and the union is strong and loving.

Dewood is a man of great character and humility. He is a long-time memebr and leader of the First Baptist Church of Earl, North Carolina. He is known and highly respected throughout Cleveland County and southern North Carloina. He is the senior member of the family and resided on the family estate at 111 Thompson Drive near Waco, North Carolina.