Greer, South Carolina

David Bridges of Greer, South Carolina, passed away on 7/15/2026. He was 78 years old. Born on April 2, 1948, in Charleston, South Carolina, David lived a life defined by service, creativity, discipline, science, and love for his family.

David proudly served his country as a U.S. Army Warrant Officer and aviator during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1969. He flew three different types of helicopters: Bell UH-1 Iroquois (“Huey”), Bell AH-1 Cobra, Hughes OH-6 Cayuse ("Loach"). He had many fantastic stories of his time in service and would tell them all to those that would respectfully ask, but he did lament that he did not always like telling his stories as he felt that many did not believe him because they were of such incredible events. His distinguished service earned him numerous honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 11 oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Army Aviator Badge.

After his military service, David worked as a chemist for the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in the 1970s. A lifelong learner and artist, he later became a dedicated practitioner and teacher of Shotokan Karate. As a black belt, he taught the martial art for more than 20 years, instilling discipline, confidence, and self-respect in hundreds of his students from all walks of life. He was also a master scroll saw woodworker, creating hundreds of intricate and delicate wooden artworks that brought beauty into the world. Throughout his life music was a passion. He played drums in the Moultrie High School band in Mount Pleasant and with the band The Brutes (sp) during high school, and later took up classical guitar in his 40s.

David cherished his family. He is survived by his brother, Billy Bridges; his son, Brandon Bridges; his daughter-in-law, Kari Valente; and his beloved grandchildren, Draven Bridges (17), Nicholas Bridges ( 8 ), and Hailey Bridges (6), and many more in his extended family. He will be remembered as a father, a brother, a Warrior, man of quiet strength, a jokester, a Patriot, an artist, and unwavering love for those closest to him.

He was will a memorial visitation on Saturday, July 25, 2026, 3:00 PM, at Sullivan Bros. Mortuary Chapel with military honors. Please keep the Bridges family in your prayers. Please take time to sign the online guestbook and share words of encouragement for the Bridges family to read.

The Bridges family thanks you for all your well wishes and kind words of support during this transition in their lives.

The Bridges family is being cared for by Sullivan Bros. Mortuary Inc. and Cremation Centers of South Carolina, LLC.