KINGS MOUNTAIN- Rev. Benjamin "Earl" Bridges, 82, died Tuesday, June 19, 2017 at Hospice at Wendover. A native of Cleveland Co., he was born to the late Rev. Odell and Clara Wilkerson Bridges. He retired from the city of Cherryville after many years, loved preaching the gospel and filling in at Bethany Baptist when needed; Visiting and ministering at all of the nursing homes in Cleveland Co.

PRECEDED: In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife of 31 years, Ozell Doster Bridges; and daughter Samantha Lowery.

SURVIVED: He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Treva Jones Bridges, of the home; son Bobby Bridges and wife Jeanette of Patterson Springs; daughters Sue Cherry of Shelby, Robbin Martin and husband Bo of Cliffside, Barbara Ogle of Kings Mountain and Kathy McSwain and husband Eddie of Boiling Springs; step sons Randy Smart of Shelby and Ricky Smart and wife Donna of Kings Mountain; 9 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren.

VISITATION: The family will receive friends Thursday from 6-8:00 PM at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby.

FUNERAL SERVICES: The funeral will be Friday, June 23, 2017 at 2 PM at Drury Dobbins Baptist Church.

OFFICIATING: Revs. Chris Hensley, Joe Ervin, Scott Hardin and Scott Butler.

BURIAL: will follow in the church cemetery

MEMORIALS: May be made to Hospice of Cleveland Co. 951 Wendover Heights Dr. Shelby, NC 28150

FUNERAL HOME: Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby

ONLINE CONDOLENCES: www.claybarnette.com