Elmer "Jack" Bridges Jr.

Elmer "Jack" Bridges Jr., 86, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away July 11, 2016. He was born November 4, 1929, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to the late Elmer Bridges Sr. and Dorothy Juanita (McCaleb) Bridges. Jack was a proud 1949 graduate of Lakeside High School. He earned his degree from Southern State University in Magnolia and his Master's degree from Henderson State Teachers College. He served in the Arkansas National Guard for 20 years and retired with the rank of Captain. Jack was an outstanding tennis coach bringing numerous State Titles to Lakeside High School and building a State Championship tradition that still lives today. His heart was on the basketball court. He coached for 34 years at several area schools and the scope of his influence on the communities he coached, always made a difference in the lives of his players. Jack's favorite kind of travel was going to his son's events as athletes and later as they coached successful basketball programs of their own. He was well known for his regular attendance as a "Super Supporter" at every game he could attend of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jack was a charter member of Hot Springs Baptist Church and is best known as the owner and operator to the ever popular Hot Springs attraction the Alligator Farm. Jack was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 61 years, Norma Sue Bridges; brothers, Bill and Don; and sister, Dorothy Faye. Survivors include sons, Jamie Bridges (Suzy) of Hot Springs; Joe Bridges (Ceil) of Magnolia; Jerry Bridges (Lori) of Cabot; daughter, Susan Fratesi (Rocky) of Mt. Home; brother, Johnny Bridges of Illinois; eleven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Mary Beth Bridges and her children, Rob Bridges, Terry Bridges, Andrea Bridges Burroughs; and numerous great-nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 1 p.m. Thursday with a celebration of Jack's life immediately following at 2 p.m. at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Mike Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Price Cemetery. Pallbearers include Jamie Bridges, Joe Bridges, Jerry Bridges, Jack Michael Bridges, Brian Bridges, and Cameron Wedgeworth. Honorary pallbearers include Blake Bridges and Jason Fratesi. Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.