Obituary of Jeff Bridges

Robert Jeffrey “Jeff” Bridges, 61, of Mauldin, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 2, 2021. Mr. Bridges was born in Greenville, SC to the late Charlie Wiseman Bridges and Orphia Lucile Jones Bridges. He was a member of Eastland Baptist Church and was a loving and humble soul that was the “glue” to his family. Mr. Bridges began what would turn into his professional career by marching in the band at Mauldin High School. He performed with The Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps of San Antonio, TX in 1981, but he was unable to perform in his championship finals because he broke his leg while on tour. During this time, he remained on tour and stood with his crutches on the sideline supporting his peers. Jeff went on to work as Show Designer for The Florida Wave Drum & Bugle Corps (Miami, FL); Show Designer and Staff Coordinator of The Colts Drum & Bugle Corps (Dubuque, IA) for which he was later inducted into their Hall of Fame; Show Designer of The Spirit of Atlanta Drum & Bugle Corps (Atlanta, GA); Corps Director of The Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps (San Antonio, TX); and Consultant of The Teal Sound Drum & Bugle Corps (Jacksonville, FL). At a high school level, Mr. Bridges, became Drill Writer for Deerfield Beach High School Band & Color Guard (Deerfield Beach, FL); Drill Designer of Miramar High School Band (Miramar, FL); Show Designer and Show Coordinator of Boca Raton High School Band (Boca Raton, FL); Show Designer and Staff Coordinator of Santaluces High School Band & Color Guard (Latana, Palm Beach, FL); Drill Designer of Olympic Heights High School Band (Boca Raton, FL); Show Designer and Show Coordinator of Cooper City High School Band & Color Guard (Cooper City, FL); Color Guard Show Consultant of J.P. Taravella High School Color Guard (Coral Springs, FL); and Show Designer of Cypress Bay High School and Color Guard (Weston, FL). Jeff Bridges was a member of SFWGA Judges Association, the Florida Federation of Color Guards Circuit, the Indiana State School Music Association, and South Florida Winterguard Association. He was the Florida Federation of Color Guards Circuit President from 1994-2001 and a member of their Hall of Fame. He also consulted for a long list of color guards, marching bands, drum and bugle corps and indoor percussive ensembles including Palm Beach Central High School (Palm Beach, FL), Hollywood Hills High School (Hollywood, FL), Spanish River High School (Boca Raton, FL), Cypress Creek High School (Orlando, FL) and Nova High School ((Davie, FL). Surviving, is girlfriend, Kim Coxe; three brothers, Jerry Bridges and wife Peggy, Ken Bridges and wife Janet, and Russell Bridges and wife Sue. He was pre-deceased by a brother Dewey Bridges; and a nephew, Scott Bridges. A Celebration of Jeff’s life will be 12 noon Saturday, May 15th at Sunset Park in Mauldin, SC. The family requests to dress casual and bring a dish to share in a pot-luck of fellowship and friendship to honor Jeff. Memorials may be made to the Jeff Bridges Memorial Scholarship Fund, Carolina Winter Ensemble Association (CWEA Indoor), PO Box 3614, Rock Hill, SC 29732. Or visit https://cweaindoor.org/clarity.