He was born in Pontotoc County on August 31, 1949, and served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. Freddy graduated from Algoma High School in 1968 and from the University of Mississippi in 1975. He worked at Russell’s Appliance Store until 1989. He retired happily from Cooper Tire, where he worked for 29 years as a quality engineer. He was beloved by all his family, where he was affectionately known as the family handyman, as he could repair just about anything. His faith was deep, and so was his love for family, especially his grandsons. He loved and was proud of his daughter, whom he showed how to do everything from hooking up a bush hog to baking a delicious dish. He enjoyed working on old cars and raising vegetables in his garden, which he loved to share. He was generous and kind and helped anyone in need that he could. He enjoyed traveling with his family and creating a peaceful, beautiful home with his wife.
He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 58 years, Gina; his daughter Karen Simpson (Greg); grandsons, Ryan Gant and Nathan Gant; his sister, Betty Sappington and a brother, Cecil Bridgman; brother and sisters-in-law, Lynn Langley (David), Cynthia Jane Wallace (Jim), Jay Russell (Mitzi) and Jennifer Beckett (Jim), along with many beloved nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Geneva Hester Bridgman, and his In-laws, James Wayne (Buddy) and Georgia Owen Russell.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, October 26, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Pontotoc, with Dr. Ken Hester and Rev. Clay Stegall officiating; burial will follow in Old Monroe Cemetery. Browning Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with the arrangements.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Browning Funeral Home in Pontotoc, and Monday morning from 9:00 A.M. until 10:00 A.M. at First Baptist Church in Pontotoc.
Pallbearers will be Ryan Gant, Nathan Gant, Jay Russell, Ted Foster, Jake Bramlett, and Josh Bramlett.
