Johnny Ervin Bridges, February 21, 1940 September 15, 2010. Hot Springs, Arkansas. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ welcomed His great and faithful servant Johnny Ervin Bridges into His house of many mansions on September 15, 2010. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, September 19, 2010 at Diamondhead Community Church in Hot Springs , Arkansas with Pastor Mike Fikes officiating. The funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, September 20, 2010 in the Chapel of Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston, Louisiana. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Pastor Mike Fikes will officiate. Interment will follow at Liberty Hill-Taylor Cemetery In Farmerville, Louisiana. Johnny was preceded in death by his father, Mr. Clarence Ervin Bridges, and his beloved pets ¨Bull and ¨Too-Tee. He leaves to cherish his memory beloved wife Deb Gatton-Bridges of Hot Springs, Arkansas; mother Kelma Albritton Bridges of Shreveport, Louisiana; sister Roxie Downing and husband Jerry of Shreveport, Louisiana; daughter Cathy Brown and husband Mike of Sterlington, Louisiana; daughter Karen Boggs of West Monroe, Louisiana; and son Ted Bridges of Monroe, Louisiana; grandsons Andy Tripp and wife Becky of Monroe, Louisiana, Michael Smith of West Monroe, Louisiana, and Jonathan Tripp of Sterlington, Louisiana; cousin Peggy Gavin and husband Greg of Shreveport, Louisiana; nephews Trey Roberson of Farmerville, Louisiana and Chuck Mullins of Shreveport, Louisiana; cousin Blake Hicks Albritton of Farmerville, Louisiana; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends. Johnny graduated from Dubach High School and received his BA and MA degrees from Louisiana Tech in Ruston, Louisiana. He was a life long educator serving in the positions of teacher, principal, counselor, and assistant dean. He often met former students and was so pleased to have been an influence in their young lives. As a young man, Johnny loved baseball and basketball. He coached and served as referee for many years. Later on, he became a golfer and enjoyed winning tournaments with his friends. Johnny loved to read especially the Bible. Johnny and Deb enjoyed travel and dancing ¨especially in the kitchen. Pallbearers will be his grandsons Andy Tripp, Jonathan Tripp, Michael Smith, son Ted Bridges, nephew Trey Roberson and son-in-law Mike Brown. Honorary pallbearers are Charles Fuller, Larry Johnson, Billy Hendrix in absentia, Blake Hicks Albritton, and David Boyer in absentia. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.