Robert Bridgers

Born in Wilmington and raised in both Wilmington and Asheboro, Rob was the son of Robert Strange Bridgers Sr. and Mary Davis Bridgers. The youngest of four children and the only boy among three older sisters, Rob grew up surrounded by family adventures — from summers at Wrightsville Beach to camping trips through the mountains of North Carolina, New York, Maine, and Canada. Family lore includes the time his sisters accidentally allowed their parents to leave him behind at a gas station on the drive from Asheboro to Wrightsville Beach.

He graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in Business Administration before returning to Wilmington. There, the Bridgers family cottage on Wrightsville Beach served as a cherished gathering place for more than 120 years. The treasured beach house, constantly full of family and friends and perpetually in need of repair, kept Rob busy hammering nails into weathered boards — often, as his father joked, “nailing rotten wood onto rotten wood.” Even amid the noise and crowd, Rob could always manage to find a quiet corner of the porch for a good book or an afternoon nap.

Rob spent 33 years with Clancy & Theys Construction Company and played an important role in the growth and development of Wilmington. He was a longtime member of Cape Fear Country Club, the Cape Fear Men’s Club, Carolina Yacht Club, and St. James Parish. He also served on the Board of Directors of the State University Railroad Company and as Board President of both Oakdale Cemetery and the L’Arioso German Club.

An avid golfer from a young age, Rob loved the game and the friendships that came with it. He was known not only for his skill on the course, but for his character, humor, and the integrity with which he lived his life. He especially enjoyed countless rounds — and many “emergency nines” after work — with his brother-in-law and dear friend, John Williams.

Rob also loved time on the water, confidently captaining fishing trips that rarely produced many fish but reliably ended with a memorable breakfast. At home, he was the family chef behind many delicious Christmas dinners and was happiest when surrounded by the people he loved most.

Above all else, Rob was a devoted family man who deeply loved his wife, children, sisters, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Jan Bridgers, whom he married in 1985; his daughter, Spencer Taylor, her husband George, and their children, Addie and George; and his son, Robert Strange Bridgers III. He is also survived by his sisters, Sue Williams and Haywood Hillier, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, in-laws, and cousins.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Oakdale Cemetery in Wilmington, North Carolina. A reception will be held immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. James Parish.