Terry "Buck" Allen Bridges

Terry Allen Bridges, affectionately known as "Buck," passed away peacefully at his home in Robbinsville, NC, on July 1, 2024, at the age of 66, surrounded by his family and pastor.

Born on December 25, 1957, in Robbinsville, NC, Buck was the cherished son of Christine Bridges. He remained a lifelong resident of Robbinsville, where he built a legacy of love, hard work, and faith.

A proud graduate of Robbinsville High School in 1976, Buck was an active member of the RHS Black Knight Football Program, playing as a receiver. Shortly after graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Coral "Cindy" Colvin Bridges, marking the beginning of a devoted 48-year marriage.

Buck's professional journey included working for several local companies in Graham County, such as Bemis Lumber Company and Stanley Furniture. He earned his certification in Lumber Inspection, leading to employment with the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) and Oak Valley Lumber of Robbinsville. His career took him throughout the Southeast, where he collaborated with numerous patrons and companies. Demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit, Buck later founded his own business, Bridges Lumber Grading, and continued his lumber inspection duties and, also, operated his own cabinet shop where he crafted wood cabinets and furniture with meticulous care and pride.

Buck's faith was an important part of his life, and he was deeply involved in his local churches. He served with a gentle demeanor and a warm heart, always willing to lend a helping hand or provide support to those who needed it. Buck possessed natural oratory skills and he was occasionally asked to officiate weddings and memorial services. He will continue to inspire those who knew him, and his legacy of faith and service will live on for many years to come.

Buck was a true outdoorsman, and he had a particular passion for deer hunting and fishing. He, with family members and friends participated in organized fishing tournaments, lake and stream fishing trips, annual deer hunting expeditions, where the preparation was just as exciting to him as the actual trips and excursions themselves. He would spend weeks scouting out his hunting grounds, studying the movements of the deer, and setting up his blinds and stands in strategic locations.

Buck would spend hours researching different fishing techniques, lures, and baits, always striving to improve his skills. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others and was always eager to teach anyone who was interested in learning about fishing. Whenever anyone caught a fish, Buck's signature phrase was, "Well glory!" This celebratory exclamation was his way of expressing his joy at experiencing the thrill of the catch, as well as glorifying God's gifts to us.

Buck was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Christine Bridges and stepfather, Billy Farley. He leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion to his wife, Cindy Bridges; to his treasured son, Joshua Allen Bridges; and to his adored grandchildren, Chase Allen Bridges and Ashlyn Rayne Bridges of Bryson City, NC. He is also survived by his much-loved twin sister, Sal Bridges and brothers, Bim Bridges, Gary Farley, and Larry Farley, all of Robbinsville, NC, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and sisters-in-law.

He would want us to remember this quote by Samuel Ferguson: "Our little time of suffering is not worthy of our first night’s welcome home to Heaven."

He lived his life with a deep reverence for God and an unwavering trust in the divine plan. Buck's spirit lives on in the memories and the love that you all share. And may Buck rest in peace, knowing that he lived a life that was truly well-lived.

"Later, Later," Buck. You will be sorely missed.

Services will be held at Townson-Smith Funeral Home in Robbinsville, NC, on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, with a Memorial Service officiated by Pastor Darrin Self beginning at 11:00 AM.

Townson-Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Bridges Family.