Wyatt Earl Bridges

Earl Wyatt Bridges Jr. of Taylors, SC passed away on May 25th, 2024 at 88 years of age. Wyatt is survived by his wife Betty Ann Wilson Bridges, sons Tom and Scott (Robin), and three grandsons, Ben, Luke and Seth. He was predeceased by his father, Earl Wyatt Bridges Sr, and his mother, Helen Frances Cox Bridges.

Wyatt was born on February 22, 1936 at his parent’s home next to the Reid School in Taylors, SC. He spent his entire life living within sight of the Reid School, and he was proud to call the area his home.

An only child, Wyatt spent lots of time with his cousins, Leslie “Jack” Bridges and Clifford Bridges, who were like brothers to him. Also, they shared many good times with their other nearby cousins, Emma Jean Dill Jones and Kenneth Dill.

At Taylors High School, Wyatt was known for his mischievous and infectious laugh. During his senior year, Wyatt was voted “Best Looking” and also “Neatest” for his stylish dress and hair. Wyatt had wonderful memories of high school friends and times. Even as his dementia progressed in his last years, he never lost his sense of humor. Recently, he showed one of his grandsons around the old Taylors High building and said, “This is where I learned a lot. Right over here is where I learned to smoke a cigarette!”

Before finishing at Taylors High in 1955, he signed up with the Naval Reserves and became a Sea Bee, a member of the Construction Battalion. As Wyatt aged, he increasingly appreciated the training in construction and character that he received in the Navy. He completed his six year commitment with an honorable discharge after many road trips for training at Guanset Point, Rhode Island--quite an event in the 1950s. Most of those trips took place with his wife, Betty, and their friends, Mary and George Vickery.

Wyatt began dating Betty Ann Wilson, the love of his life, during their junior year at Taylors High. They were married in March of 1956 at Mountain Creek Baptist Church. Wyatt’s mother, Helen, handmade Betty’s wedding dress as a gift. The couple honeymooned in Florida.

Wyatt began his construction career working for McGill Construction under his father-in-law, Fred Wilson. Wyatt said it was often tough working for his intense father-in-law, but he had a deep sense of gratitude for all that he learned from Fred. Together they were involved in the construction of many bridges and culverts all over South Carolina. After several years, Wyatt went to work for Metromont Materials where he spent over 20 years of his career, eventually serving as the supervisor of the pre-stress carpentry shop. Notably, he and his shop made the forms (molds) used to pour the curved concrete of the upper deck at Clemson University’s Death Valley. Wyatt’s dementia only enhanced his love of discussing his early construction experiences.

In 1961, along came Thomas Wyatt, his first child. Tommy shares his father’s looks and like his dad, Tom has made his living working with his hands doing everything from shoe making, to roofing, to remodeling and more. Tom resides in Black Mountain, NC.

In 1970, Scott Andrew came along. Scott shares his mom’s looks, but like his dad and brother, he enjoys working with his hands. Scott will always be grateful to his parents for helping him attend Clemson University. Scott lives in Asheville with his wife, Robin. They have three sons, Ben, Luke and Seth. Wyatt was a proud grandfather of these three tall young men of character. He often said, “Scott, you are so blessed to have these wonderful boys!”

Throughout his life, Wyatt enjoyed many hobbies such as fishing, antique cars, and woodworking. He went on countless fishing trips with his father and cousins, but he did the most fishing over the years with his close friend, the late Preston Holder. Wyatt said, “Out on the lake, Preston and I can talk about anything and everything.” Among other projects, Wyatt did his own detailed restoration of a 1954 F100, and he won an award from the Antique Automobile Club of America for this beautiful red truck. Wyatt made many custom items of wood: picture frames, shadow boxes, display cases, bowls, aquarium stands and more.

As life went on, Wyatt became more and more involved with his local church, for a season with Piedmont Park Baptist and then back to his family church, Mountain Creek Baptist. Among other activities, he served on the property committee and enjoyed serving by doing hands-on repairs or advising on larger church projects. In the midst of his dementia, Wyatt became increasingly more grateful for his Savior, church, family and life in general, giving spontaneous, short prayers of thanks.

After multiple years staying physically active but troubled with advanced dementia, Wyatt found peace and a restored mind on May 25, 2024 at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock, NC. He was able to be outside on a special patio in beautiful weather and surrounded by loving family who stood by him as he passed into the arms of his Savior.

The family wishes to sincerely thank Terra Bella Hendersonville and the Elizabeth House of Flatrock for their compassionate care for Wyatt during his final months and days.

A visitation for Wyatt will be held Friday, May 31, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Mackey Funerals and Cremations Century Drive, 311 Century Drive, Greenville, SC 29607.

The funeral will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Mountain Creek Baptist Church, 255 W Mountain Creek Church Rd, Greenville, SC 29609. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1 Pine Knoll Dr., Greenville, SC 29609.