Mr. Eddie Leroy “EB” Bridges, Jr., 77, beloved pillar of our community, peacefully departed his earthly home in Shelby, NC surrounded by his loved ones and was welcomed into his Heavenly home on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. He was born in Shelby, NC to the late Eddie Leroy Bridges, Sr. and Opal Earl Bridges on March 28, 1947.

He was preceded in death by his cherished parents; spirited nephew, Jeffrey “Jody” Bridges; special cousins, Joyce Ann Degree, Roosevelt Earl and Telecia Meeks; maternal aunts and uncles, Askew Earl, Cleo Earl, Mary Lou Earl, Andrew Earl, George Earl, Booker T. Earl, Omia Lee Earl Roberts, and Beulah Earl Eaves; paternal aunts and uncles, Dewood Bridges, Jessie Bridges, Franklin Bridges, Garland Bridges, Eugene Bridges, Pon Bridges, William Bridges, Winifred Bridges, Esther Bridges Borders, V. Esther Bridges, Aileen Bridges Webber, Senora Bridges Peterkin, and Pauline Bridges Gill.

Left to cherish his memory are his endearing daughter, Christina Nicole “Nikki” Haynes (John) of Shelby, NC, his granddaughter, Chelsea Destiana Norris of Shelby, NC affectionally nicknamed “Chel Chel” by him; his brother, Ronald Bridges of Kings Mountain, NC and sisters, Arretta B. Corry (Larry) of Shelby, NC, and Opal B. “Peggy” Washington (Sylvester) of Kings Mountain, NC; his nephews, Russell Corry (Miranda), Collin Washington, Kevin Washington, Scott Washington; his nieces Jackie Corry, Ronda Feaster (Michael), Nicole Borders (Kenya), Rashonda Gregory, Michele Forrest, and Shalvaya Carpenter; his great nephews and nieces, Isaiah Borders, Jeremiah Borders, Tre Forrest, Micheala Feaster, Breyon Forrest, Zyona Cummings, Rachel Corry, Olivia Corry, and Dianne Washington; special friends and supporters, Dorethia Shade Miller and family, Calvin Hastings, Richard Hooker, James Bullard, Sr., Alfred Schenck, and all of his classmates from Washington High School.

Eddie loved his family and friends deeply and was especially devoted to his daughter and granddaughter. He never missed a function of his daughter’s or his granddaughter’s band recitals, dance recitals, basketball or soccer practices or games. And he was especially proud of his granddaughter’s pursuit for higher education as he shared with all that knew him.

At the ripe ole age of 4, the love of music began to pulse through the veins of Eddie. While exploring his parents’ cellar, he discovered a phonograph and began tinkering with 78-inch records while often wearing out needles quicker than his parents could replace them. After graduating from high school in 1965, Eddie was accepted into UNC Chapel Hill but decided to valiantly enlist in the United States Navy where he served from July 1965 to July 1968on the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA 31) during the Vietnam War. Eddie received the Navy Unit Commendarion Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device. During that tour, he purchased a reel-to-reel recorder. While operating the recorder on the second largest naval ship one day, one of his superiors overheard him practicing, was impressed and asked him to conduct a standing 2-hour disc jockey set to boost the troops’ morale during such a difficult experience which further steered him towards broadcasting. This led him to complete his broadcast training at the Carolina School of Broadcasting in 1971. Soon after graduation and the conclusion of his time with the Naval Reserves, he secured a position at the WXIK and WOHS AM/FM radio stations as the first African American DJ in Cleveland County where he began spinning Country& Western records while working on the AM frequency. He soon transitioned to Light Rock, Pop, and Rhythm and Blues on the FM frequency. During that time, he also owned and disc jockeyed at his disco club, the Other Side in uptown Shelby, NC which was designed for the entertainment of youth in a safe and fun environment.

For 15 ½ years, Eddie called WOHS his second home before relocating to 1180 WFGN in Gaffney, South Carolina. In 1987, he disc jockeyed at 1180 WFGN for 3 years before purchasing the radio station and starting Hope Broadcasting, Incorporated in 1990. As CEO and President of 1180 WFGN, Eddie switched the music format from Country & Western to Gospel/Christian and partnered with the late Charles Montgomery and late Rev. Eula Miller. Eddie made history as a pioneering founder and owner of 1180 WFGN of Hope Broadcasting, Inc., the first African American-owned and longest operating radio station in Cherokee County, SC. His vision and dedication to his community provided a vital platform that promulgated to thousands of listeners across Cherokee, Cleveland and surrounding counties for inspirational music, news and information, cultural expression, and social justice advocacy. 1180 WFGN of Hope Broadcasting, Inc. became a cornerstone for racial equality, community and youth empowerment, and cultural pride while fostering a sense of belonging and connection for generations. Eddie’s legacy continues to inspire ambitious broadcasters, masters of ceremony and media entrepreneurs, particularly within the African American community.

Another highlight of Eddie's broadcasting career has been interviewing well-known members of our society like Jackee Harry, Cissy Houston, Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, John P. Kee, Joe Lignon of the Mighty Clouds of Joy, Rance Allen Group, Roy and the Revelation, The Williams Brothers, and the family of Fantasia Burrino just to name a few.

For many years, he broadcasted from the Southern Women’s Christmas Show, promoted the annual Gospel Fest held at Carowinds and the annual Spirit Fest held in South Carolina.

From “EB in the Evening” to “EB and the Midnight Affair” at WXIK/WOHS to “Your Spiritual Friend” at WFGN, Eddie’s career flourished which was a testament to his hard work and immeasurable dedication that has spanned more than 55 years.

Many entities have recognized him for his commitment to the betterment of our youth through scholarships that he awarded to the United Negro College Fund and Cherokee County Schools. He was also an honoree of the Cleveland County Business Development Center, Inc., The Shelby Star, The Keys of Harmony Gospel Singers, The Mentoring Connection of the Cherokee County School District, and more. Serving as a member of Cleveland County Business and Professional Association, Washington Missionary Baptist Church boards, NAACP; chairman of the Vision Baptist Cathedral’s Male Pyramid Program 503c Board and other organizations was a true honor for him. Washington Missionary Baptist Church held a special place in his heart as he devoted many years of his life on the Trustee Board and Planning Committees while also leading the audio/visual operations.In addition to Eddie's work as an on-air personality, he thrived as a sought-after Master of Ceremonies for hundreds of functions over the past several decades.

Eddie possessed many talents and was the true definition of a “jack of all trades”. He loved watching University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Tarheels basketball, dancing, creating cabinetry, gardening with his daughter, operating a mailbox business that he started with his father, producing local music groups, leading/organizing travel for social groups and organizing relief efforts for areas affected by hurricanes in the South.

On April 13, 2024, the mayor of Gaffney, SC proclaimed that day as “Eddie L. Bridges, Jr. Day”. His loved ones will continue to celebrate the memories of his extraordinary life and enduring legacy.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at Shoal Creek Baptist Church at 3:30 PM. The receiving of friends will be from 2:30 PM until 3:30 PM on Sunday and at other times at 108 Bridges Circle, Kings Mountain, daily from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Burial will take place at Washington Missionary Baptist Church, Shelby, NC.