Bridges Family Reunion

Born January 24, 1923,in Earl, North Carolina. Furman is the ninth chid born to Joe and Senora Bridges.

He displayed a strong sense of family at an early age when he refused to begin first grade until his younger brother, Pon Junior, could join him a year later. FUrmanleft school to join the U.S. Navy in 1943 and served during World War II. After an honorable discharge in 1946, he returned home and completed school at Washington Hig School. Furman continued his studies at Agricultural and Technical College in Greensboro, NOrth Carolina. In 1948 he married Oretha Magnolia Borders of the Washington community. The union was blessed with eight children:

Jerald Micheal                                  David Anthony                           Kenneth Markeath

Furma Denise                                  Audry Maizette                              Aprella Marqquinette

Wesley Donovan                             Robin Dale

In 1950 FUrman moved his young family to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he has never been a stranger to work, often working two or more jobs to support his family. Before retiring in 1988, he worked at various jobs inclding insurance salesman, hospital orderly, bus driver, maintenance supervisor, and adminstrative assistant. He continues to work part-time in his retiement. Perhaphs the most signofocant position he held was that of a bus driver. He was on of the forst four African-American bus drivers hired by City COach Lines in Charlotte in 1962 during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, Many people still rmember him as the handsome, gentle bus driver who always had a smile for them after a long day.

Furman had devoted his life to service of the Lord at First Baptist Church-West where he has been a deacon since 1967. He continued to be very active and has been a mentor to many yong people in the church.

Furman has been his family's "solid rock" and continues to offer his quiet advice to those who seek it. Since the death of his oldest brother, DeWood, he has become a family leader for the generation of family that look up to him. He enjoys visiting with younger family members to give support and counsel. To know Furman is to love him.... and he is truly loved.