Local Aviator and Airport Manager dies from COVID

"Your wings already exist, all you have to do is fly."

-Unknown

Paul M. Bridges, a loving friend to all of Hohenwald, passed away on Friday, January 29, 2021, at the Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia following complications with COVID.

Paul, age 74, was born in Trenton on October 2, 1946, to Joe and Gracie (Jackson) Bridges. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Army, of which he was a proud veteran. Eventually, he moved to Hohenwald and lived here until his passing. He met and married his best friend, Janice (Murphy) Bridges, and they lived a long and wonderful life together.

Paul worked as an office technician for the telephone company for many, many years. However, he is best known for his other title of Airport Manager at the airport here in Hohenwald. If he wasn't at home, he was at the airport. He lived to fly, and he was dedicated to his position there for over forty years. He taught countless people to fly and enjoy the view over his tenure. He started at the airport when the office was a little taxicab stand with no bathroom and stuck with it until they finally built the larger building and offices. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol during his career as well. He loved his airport family like they were his own.

Along with his wife, Janice Bridges of Hohenwald, he is survived by his son, Brent Bridges of Hohenwald; and one brother, Stanley (Ruby) Bridges of Mt. Pleasant. Also, he leaves behind a huge aviation family.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers Clyde, Robert, and Alec Bridges, and one sister, Betty Jo Bridges.

A short memorial service was held on Monday, February 1 in the McDonald Funeral Home chapel. Burial service will be conducted at a later date.