V.L. Bridges, a resident of Franklinton, died early Friday morning, Jan. 15, 2016, at his home.

He was a native of Prentiss, Miss., before moving with his new wife to Franklinton, to work at the newly established Southern Natural Gas, where he worked for over 40 years before retiring as the assistant superintendent of the Franklinton Division.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War era during which time he was an artillery gunner on a demonstration team at Fort Bragg.

V.L. was a proud veteran and was an active member of the Homer Magee Post 113 of the American Legion. He enjoyed sports, especially baseball, while also volunteering to coach Little League for many years.

He was a longtime active member of First Baptist Church of Franklinton, where he sang in the Sanctuary Choir then later as a member of the Senior Singers. V.L. was a deacon of his church for 35 years before currently serving as Deacon emeritus.

He loved the great outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing and recently liked looking out behind his home at the frequent wildlife nearby. V.L. was a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather, and he had a special place in his heart for babies and his youngest new family members.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Delora Davis Bridges of Franklinton; two daughters and sons-in-law, Malinda and Danny Harris, and Patricia and Jon Gonzales, all of Franklinton; six grandchildren and spouses, Dana Harris and Christina Bullock, both of Franklinton, Daniel and Mandy Harris of Foxworth, Miss., Leighton and Danielle Gonzales of Franklinton, Haylie and Ray McCarrol of Albany, and Hanna Gonzales of Franklinton; great-grandchildren, Autumn Bullock, Natalee Harris, Logan Gonzales, Lana Gonzales, Lora Gonzales and Brenton McCarroll; step-great-grandchildren, Haley Haddox, Hunter Haddox and Presley Haddox; an expected great-grandson, Parker Harris, and an additional expected great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil L. Bridges and Minnie Smith Bridges; twin infant grandsons and an infant granddaughter, Loren Marion Marie Gonzales; seven brothers; two sisters and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Edgar E. Davis and Malinda Davis.

Visitation was at Crain Funeral Home on Sunday, Jan. 17, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Paul Watts and the Rev. Dale Parker officiating. Burial will follow in the Ellis Cemetery.

Obituaries can be viewed online at www.crainfh.com.