Gene Ellie "Coach" Bridges completed his journey here on earth and earned his reward to enter the heavenly realms into the loving arms of Jesus. After a difficult month of May, struggling with several health issues, he passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

Gene was born in Mobile, AL on October 12, 1931, to Earl and Christeen Bridges. His family moved to Pensacola when he was six and he considered himself a Pensacola native. Gene attended PHS where he excelled in academics and all sports, especially football and basketball, graduating in 1950. He attended the University of Florida on a scholarship where he played football and basketball for one year before transferring to FSU. He played football at FSU, graduating in 1954, and was forever a Florida State Seminole. Gene met the love of his life, Theresa Sudol, at FSU and they married in 1954. They enjoyed 57 years of marriage and together raised five children. Gene worked as an educator for 39 years, with most of his career with the Escambia County School System. He was a coach, teacher, and finally Supervisor over Boys Physical Education and Driver's Education for Escambia County, retiring in 1993. Gene was inducted into the Pensacola Sports Hall of Fame in 1993. He was a very humble man who would not want us to focus on his many accomplishments but instead remember the importance he placed on showering us all with love and always being there to support us in all of our endeavors. He was a family man first and foremost, full of kindness, generosity and humor. He led by example and taught us all to take care of one another. He enjoyed telling stories and engaging in conversation with others. Gene loved to joke around and most always kept a positive outlook on life. One of his deepest pleasures were monthly lunches with his former coaches, many of whom had been his former students. He was proud of their accomplishments and enjoyed sharing memories with them. They developed quite endearing friendships over the years, and these gatherings were so important to him and gave him much pleasure.

Gene is preceded in death by his loving wife, Theresa; brothers, Earl and Tommy Bridges; son, Gene (Bubba) Bridges and infant granddaughters, Terrisita and Rachel Bridges.

Gene is survived by his children, Connie Dillard (Dwain), Chris Bridges (Letty), Karen Bridges, and Kenny Bridges (Cathy); grandchildren Monica Wilcox (Scott), Jenny Bridges, Lindsay Dillard (Haley), Chris Bridges, Brian Dillard (Christina) and Will Fly (Erica) and nine great grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters, Gracie Meyer and Jerry Gilmore, brother, Robert Bridges (Jo); daughter-in-law, Kathy Fly Bridges and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held 3:00pm-5:00pm Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. Funeral Mass will be held 10:00am Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at St. Paul Catholic Church, with Fr. Athanasius Abanulo celebrant. A reception will immediately follow the mass. A private family interment will be held at Bayview Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the local youth sports organization of your choice.

The family would like to thank the many doctors and nurses at Baptist hospital for their gentle and compassionate care, and Emerald Coast Hospice.