Robert D. Bridges
February 23, 1950 – September 13, 2026.
Robert "Bobby" Bridges, 76, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026. Born Feb. 23, 1950, in Channelview, Texas, he was the son of Violet and T. Edward Rollins.
Robert attended Texas A&M University, where he was a proud Corps Cadet. Brilliant and mechanically gifted, there seemed to be nothing he couldn't fix, build, or figure out. He spent his career in manufacturing management and metallurgy, eventually overseeing entire facilities. His career included U.S. Steel, Reynolds/Alcoa Aluminum, Noranda Aluminum, JW Aluminum, and Premium Protein Products.
Robert enjoyed sports, cattle ranching, turkey and deer hunting, golfing and fishing on Lake Ouachita. For 40 years, he returned annually to the same camp at Crystal Springs. His greatest accomplishment, however, was the life he built with and for his family. A devoted husband, father and family man, his love, wisdom and steady presence were deeply cherished. He will be remembered for his remarkable mind and talents and for the kindness, strength and love he gave so freely.
Throughout his life, Robert made his home in Channelview and Tarkington Prairie, Texas; Saginaw and Dover, Arkansas; and Jackson, Tennessee, before retiring in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Glenda M. Bridges; his parents, Violet and T. Edward Rollins; his sisters, Dorothy Cooper and Sandy Bridges; his stepbrother, Billy Joe Rollins; his brother-in-law, James Cooper; and his nephew, Greg Cooper.
He is survived by his three children, Timothy Wells (Melanie), Amber Bates-Cone (Jimmy Cone) and Andrew Bridges; four grandchildren, Conner Wells (Valerie), Cami Smeltzer (Josh), Sarah Bates and Eli Bates; three great-grandchildren; his nephew, Doug Cooper; and his cousin, Juanice Andrews.
No formal funeral service will be held. A private memorial gathering for family and friends will take place at his campsite in October during his annual fall fishing trip.
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