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Obituaries
Royce Gene Bridger
Royce Gene Bridger, 70, passed away on Thursday, November 9, 2023, in Newport News, VA. He worked for the Virginia Marine Resource Commission for 42 years as a Cartographer. Royce was a member of Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church. He kept himself busy by joining the Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club and DeMolay International Club and became involved in Boy Scouts of America. Royce received his associate degree in photography from Thomas Nelson Community College.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Garland and Evelyn Bridger.
Royce is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Judy Bridger of Newport News, VA; son, Ben Bridger (Amanda) of Yorktown, VA; brother, Robert Bridger (Maureen) of Ormond Beach, FL; and niece, Erin Bridger of Ormond Beach, FL.
A visitation will be held at Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church on Thursday, November 30, 2023, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The memorial service will be held at Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.
8 Comments
I’m sorry about the loss of our beloved Royce. He was my friend and I will miss him dearly. Stay strong God will provide
Royce was my friend we have been co-workers for over 30 years. I will miss our conversations. He was my friend and I will truly miss him. I pray God gives you all comfort during this season😞
I am so sorry to hear about Royce, he was fun spirited friend to all of us at VMRC. He loved telling stories! He will be missed. I will keep Judy and his family in my prayers.
Royce was a very thoughtful, knowledgeable, erudite, and interesting coworker. I think I can (and will) speak for the present and past members of VMRC that the planet and Hampton Rhodes in particular is a better place for having Royce here, and lesser, for his loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you over the loss of Royce. He was such an institution at VMRC, and shared so much interesting history with me about where we live, photography, and hiking. He will be truly missed.
Royce was the hub in the wheel for the development and expansion of our aquaculture and seafood industry from the moment “he greeted you” by phone or in person at VMRC. He helped to create the private sector lease grounds, answer technical questions (and of course shared a few more stories along the way!) to serve our hardworking industry and make us all feel like family.
No one can replace this wonderful kind gentleman who brought the “Mountain” to the waters of the Chesapeake Bay.
Tolar Nolley, Founder OCVA
So sorry for the loss of Royce. He was a kind and compassionate person. He had a true love for VMRC and a passion for the work he did. He was meticulous in the creation of every product. His knack of always having a story to tell will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to meet him. Rest in Peace my friend.
I was devastated when I heard that Royce was called to be with the LORD. I knew Royce for 30 year and I walk countless miles hiking trails with him along the AT. We walked reverently, in what he described as his cathedral. When we would we would meet the others on the trail he would entertain them with amazing stories about the AT. His love for his friends and fellow hikes bubbled out of him like a spring of cool water. I know that he is waiting form me just around bend in the trail, just out of sight. Rest easy “Mountain Man”
Respectfully, “McDuff”