MILWAUKEE – William Henry Bridgers, 78, of Milwaukee died Friday, February 25, 2011, at Southampton Memorial Hospital in Franklin, VA.

He had been preceded in death by son, Jeffrey Bridgers; daughter, Deborah Bridgers; granddaughter, Peyton Gleason; parents, Wilbur and Retha Bridgers; and daughter-in-law, Sandra Bridgers.

A native of Northampton County, he was the proud father of five children and was a dedicated family man who could fix anything and who enjoyed life and people. A veteran of the United States Army serving during the Korean Conflict, he worked 37 years with Union Camp Corporation in Franklin, VA before retiring and was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church in Milwaukee.

Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Joyce Watson Bridgers of their home; three children, William Steven Bridgers and wife, Robbie, of Milwaukee, Alisia Bridgers Reeves and husband, Todd, of Iron Station, and Henry Charles Bridgers of Roanoke Rapids; four grandchildren, Joshua Bridgers, Corrie Edwards and husband, Patrick, Cameron Gleason and Alex Bridgers; and three step grandchildren, Matthew Reeves, Samantha Reeves and Savannah Reeves.

The family will be receiving friends at Bridgers Funeral Home, Inc. in Conway, on Saturday, February 26 from 7 to 9 p.m. and his funeral service will be held Sunday, February 27 at 2 p.m. in Bethany United Methodist Church in Milwaukee. Burial will follow in the Milwaukee Cemetery.

Bridgers Funeral Home, Inc. of Conway is handling the arrangements.