Dateline – Panama City, FL

Michael R. Bridges, Sr. peacefully passed away at home in Panama City, Florida on August 31, 2017.

He was born on September 12, 1955 to Ralph N. Bridges and Patricia (Dutch) Bellemare.

Mike grew up in Wells, graduating with the class of 1973. He entered the Navy shortly after, training in the sheet metal corrosion repair field. He was honorably discharged in 1977 where he returned to Maine to raise his family.

In 1993, he lost he beloved son Joshua Luke. While devastated he persevered and opened his own business, The Divers Locker in Lyman Maine.

By 2005 he heard the calling of warmer weather in Florida, where he breathed, touched and spoke to the sea he loved so much. While there he became a member of the Gulf Rifle and Pistol Club, as well as the American Legion post 392.

Michael is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Lisa (Pay) Bridges Of Panama City, FL; his mother, Patricia (Dutch) Bellemare of Wells, Maine; his father, Ralph Bridges of Crossett, Ark.; mother and father in law, Denise and Patrick Pay of Somersworth, NH; his children, include Michael, Jr. of Benton, ME, Danny of Jacksonville Beach, Florida, Danielle and her fiancé, John Pappas, of East Longmeadow, Mass, Tamra Devon and her husband, Chris, of Harrisburg PA and Kyle and his wife, Hollyann, of Pace, Florida.

He is also survived by his sisters, Tammy Mathieu of Kennebunk and Wendy Wooding and her husband, Dave, of Boise, ID; his brother, Scott Bridges and his wife, Nancy, of Wells; his half-sisters, Kimberly Taunton and her husband, Michael, of Crossett, Ark and Susie Baker of Wells; and his half-brother Timothy Bridges and his wife, Brandy, of Crossett, Ark.

He adored his 5 beautiful grandchildren, PFC Joshua Michael US Army and his wife Shania, E2 Bryan Bridges USAF and his wife Sarah, Blaine Bridges, Natalie and Lacy Huntley.

He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Visiting hours on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 from 4-7pm will be held at the Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Rd, Wells Maine and the funeral will be at the Ocean View Cemetery, 1485 Post Rd, Wells, ME at 1pm on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. He will be placed to rest with his son Joshua.

Monetary donations in lieu of flowers are requested in the name of Lisa Bridges, his disabled widow to aid in her new financial hardship.