I’m going to miss you my Big brother all your visits and phone calls. All the fun things when I was growing up that we did taking me to church camp in Mexico . We would go visit and get together on holidays when you lived Arkansas . You would come see us in Arkansas  and we would go out to eat.  Jimmie said he’s  going to miss you too. When me ,mom and dad came to Ouachita  and Texas to see you all . When I came to Texas and we would always see each other and go out to eat.  I’ll always be your little sister and will always love and miss you. But I know I will see you again. I know Janice and your kids, grandkids, and great -grandkids will miss you . I pray peace and comfort for them .  I was always so proud to be your little sister. I know all the rest of the family will miss your jokes and fun being around you. I know I will too.   Always your little sister.

Tommy was born in Arkansas and completed his undergraduate degree at Ouachita Baptist University. He followed this with graduate theological training, earning a Master of Religious Education (M.R.E.) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.

Beginning in about 1977, he joined the faculty of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, serving as Professor of Administration, where he taught for many years (approximately until 2005), after which he continued teaching in an adjunct role. His academic specialty included Christian education, administration, and pastoral leadership. His students and colleagues remember him for combining theological fidelity with practical leadership training for ministry.

In addition to his domestic academic work, Tommy Bridges also served in missionary work in Lima, Peru, assisted at the Baptist seminary in Trujillo. In that role, he contributed to the training of church leaders and Christian educators in a cross-cultural context, strengthening institutional partnerships and encouraging faithful Christian ministry in Latin America.

Throughout his career, Bridges was respected for his scholarly credentials, his compassionate mentoring, and his devotion to the local church. His influence extended through the many students he taught, the ministries they led, and the international connections he helped foster. 

He leaves behind a legacy of education, service, and Christian witness.

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Tommy Lee Bridges

February 15, 1938 – October 9, 2025

Laurel Land Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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