Millard Eugene Bridgers III

Millard, known by most as Uncle ME, loved Jesus, his family and music. He also loved Woodworking, Rodeo’s, Grilling, Gardening, and many other things. He had extraordinary musical talents, and loved creating music – writing songs, creating lyrics and could play any instrument just from having heard it played.

He excelled at entertaining – as a storyteller, musician, comedian, he was always the center of the room and had an enormous presence and impact on many individuals. Despite only having an 8th grade education, he served in the US Army, worked many various trades, and was able to teach himself anything he needed and retired as a master HVAC & Electrician. He loved to brag about installing the HVAC system in NASA, the various “top secret” locations in DC, and his work at Virginia Wesleyan University among many others. His pride and joy, “Virginia”, was a band that that he formed with Mike Allen, Joey Ellington, JD Patterson, and Glen Fisher. They worked together to create music from their heart and many friends and family performed with them at different times over the years.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy Bridgers; his 10 Children, Tina-Marie Russ (Ronnie), BobbieJo Berrios (Luis), Michelle Bridgers-James (Bruce), Sherry Beachum (Billy), Jennifer Beachum (Mark), Jason Bridgers (Marcia), Steven Painter (Jamie), Eric Painter, Sarah Bridgers, Millard E Bridgers IV; 24 Grandchildren (Amber, Toni, Alyssia, Denzel, Camry, Francisco, Kyran, Jason, Nathan, Lisa-Anne, Chelsea, Jacob, Andrew, Hope, Roman, Mark Jr., Julia, Luke, Noah, Vada, Hannah, Nannette, Lincoln, Sophia, Steven Jr & Jayden), 19 Great-Grandchildren (Radu, Ella, Damon, Myla, Landon, Noah, Autumn, Reid, Waylon, Hunter, Oakley, Kayce, Audrey, Anthony Jr, Charlotte, Magnolia, Augustus, Elijah & Avi and another great grand daughter (Emery) on the way); and 3 sisters, Brenda Haddaway (Frank), Wanda Millwood (Bob), and Phylis Thompson, and many nieces and nephews and extended family. He is predeceased by his parents (Lena Kirby Matheson (Roy) and Millard E Bridgers II and his sister Jenny Carol Martin).

While all his children and grandchildren have a part of him in them, his youngest daughter, Sarah, has inherited his musical abilities and will perform his song, Fields of Carolina, with his Martin guitar at the family memorial in Woodland North Carolina.

Being known for his bright and colorful western shirts and general cowboy flair, M.E. would have wanted those celebrating his life to dress comfortably and with flair.

Services are as follows:

March 7, 2025, 10am – Carrow Baptist Church 5545 Susquehanna Drive, Virginia Beach Va 23462; Visitation with the family from 11am-noon in fellowship hall and then Private Memorial for Family in Woodland on Bridgers Road (Grandparents lot) North Carolina.

March 18, 2025, 11am – Albert G Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery (5310 Milner’s Road, Suffolk, Va 23434) with Army Honors.