Obituaries in Shelby, NC | Shelby Star (2024)

Mr. Eddie Leroy “EB” Bridges, Jr., 77, beloved pillar of our community, peacefully departed his earthly home in Shelby, NC surrounded by his loved ones and was welcomed into his Heavenly home on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. He was born in Shelby, NC to the late Eddie Leroy Bridges, Sr. and Opal Earl Bridges on March 28, 1947.

Left to cherish his memory are his endearing daughter, Christina Nicole “Nikki” Haynes (John) of Shelby, NC, his granddaughter, Chelsea Destiana Norris affectionally nicknamed “Chel Chel” by him; his brother, Ronald Bridges and sisters, Arretta B. Corry (Larry), and Opal B. “Peggy” Washington (Sylvester) and a host of nephews, nieces and other loved ones.

At the age of 4, the love of music began to pulse through the veins of Eddie. While exploring his parents’ cellar, he discovered a phonograph and began tinkering with 78-inch records while often wearing out needles quicker than his parents could replace them. After graduating from high school in 1965, Eddiewas accepted into UNC Chapel Hill but decided to valiantly enlist in the United States Navy where he served from July 1965 to July 1968 during the Vietnam War. Eddie received the Navy Unit Commendarion Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device. While operatinga reel-to-reel recorder on the second largest naval shipone day, one of his superiors overheard him practicing, was impressed and asked him to conduct a standing 2-hour disc jockey set to boost the troops’ morale during such a difficult experience which further steered him towards broadcasting.This led him to complete his broadcasttraining at the Carolina School of Broadcasting in 1971. Soon after graduation and the conclusion of his time with the Naval Reserves, he secured a position at the WXIK and WOHS AM/FM radio stations as the first African American DJ in Cleveland County. During that time, he also owned and disc jockeyed at his disco club, the Other Side in uptown Shelby, NCwhich was designed forthe entertainment of youthin a safe and fun environment.

For 15 ½ years, Eddie called WOHS his second home before relocating to 1180 WFGN in Gaffney, South Carolina. In 1987, he disc jockeyed at 1180 WFGN for 3 years before purchasing the radio station and starting Hope Broadcasting, Incorporated in 1990. As CEO and President of 1180 WFGN, Eddie switched the music format to Gospel/Christian and partnered with the late Charles Montgomery and late Rev. Eula Miller.Eddie made history as a pioneering founder and owner of 1180 WFGN of Hope Broadcasting, Inc., the first African American-owned and longest operating radio station in Cherokee County, SC. 1180 WFGN became a cornerstone for racial equality, community and youth empowerment, and cultural pride.

Another highlight of Eddie's broadcasting career has been interviewing well-known members of our society like Jackee Harry, Cissy Houston, Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, John P. Kee, Joe Lignon of the Mighty Clouds of Joy, Rance Allen Group, Roy and the Revelation, The Williams Brothers, and the family of Fantasia Burrino just to name a few.

Eddie’s career flourished which was a testament to his hard work and immeasurable dedication that has spanned more than 55 years.

He was recognized for his commitment to the betterment of our youth through scholarships that he awarded to the United Negro College Fund and Cherokee County Schools. He was also an honoree of the Cleveland County Business Development Center, Inc., The Shelby Star, The Keys of Harmony Gospel Singers, The Mentoring Connection of the Cherokee County School District, and more. Serving as a member ofCleveland County Business and Professional Association, Washington Missionary Baptist Church boards, NAACP;chairman of the Vision Baptist Cathedral’s Male Pyramid Program 503c Board and other organizations was a true honor for him. Washington Missionary Baptist Church held a special place in his heart as he devoted many years of his life on the Trustee Board and Planning Committees while also leading the audio/visual operations.In addition to Eddie's work as an on-air personality, he thrived as a sought-after Master of Ceremonies for hundreds of functions over the past several decades.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, June 9, 2024 at Shoal Creek Baptist Church at 3:30 PM. The receiving of friends will be at 2:30 PM on Sunday and at all other times at 108 Bridges Circle, Kings Mountain daily from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Burial will take place at Washington Baptist Church, Shelby, NC.