Charles Douglas Bridges, 83, of Shelby, NC, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026, at Atrium Health in Shelby.

Charles was born on December 9, 1942, in Raleigh, North Carolina, and was the son of the late Charles Oris Bridges and Nellie O'Connor Bridges.

Charles graduated from Cool Springs High School in Forest City, NC, where he lettered in football, track, and baseball. Shortly after graduation, he began his career at Fiber Industries as the company's 184th employee. While working at Fiber, he proudly served in the National Guard. After working at Fiber Industries for many years, he obtained his real estate broker's license and dedicated more than 43 years to serving his clients. During that time, he also served as president of the Cleveland County Association of Realtors, was a board member of Habitat for Humanity, and served as Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 101.

Charles had a deep love for nature. He especially enjoyed deer and wild boar hunting. He found great joy in teaching his children, and later his grandchildren, to fish and hunt. Above all, he adored his family and cherished every moment spent with them.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Steve Bridges and son Charles Jason Bridges.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Joyce Emory Bridges, of the home; his son, Chip Bridges, and his fiancée, Christine DeLorenzo, of Black Mountain, NC; his daughters, Dianne Bridges Smith and her husband, Sonny, of Swannanoa, NC, and Heather Bridges Plummer and her husband, Brian, of Shelby, NC; five grandchildren, Zach Moore, Lauren Moore Griffin (Kaleb), Grace Moore, Nicholas Plummer, and Chance Plummer; and one great-granddaughter, Kallie Anne Griffin.

The family will receive friends at Northside Baptist Church in Shelby on July 6 at 10:00 a.m., with the funeral service immediately following at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Cleveland Memorial Park.

Online Condolences can be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.