Alvin Bridges

Mr. Bridges, 82, of Shelby, NC, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 8, 2010, at Hospice at Wendover. Alvin A. "Doc" Bridges was the founder and long-time president of Norris Merchandise of Shelby. Alvin, affectionately called "Doc" by his family and many friends, was a native or Cleveland County. He was born on November 17, 1927 to Clyde and Mittie Humphries Bridges. After serving in the U. S. Army, he worked for K & W Packing Company of Shelby. He eventually acquired the company, changed its name to Norris Packing Company and served as its General Manager and President. He also founded and operated the Shelby Processing Company. He was past president of the North Carolina Meat Packers Association. In 1983, he opened Norris Merchandise with his son David. Throughout his career, Alvin worked closely with his wofe of 63 years, Peggy Marie Ariail Bridges. He was a member, former Deacon andformer treasurer of Zoar Baptist Church. He also was a charter member of the Board of Directors of the Cleveland County Volunteer Fire Department.Mr. Bridges was a Mason and member of the Masonic Lodge 202 and was a Shriner. Funeral services will be conducted by Dr. Rob Helton pastor of Zoar Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150, or Zoar Baptist Church, 1740 S. Lafayette Street, Shelby, NC 28152.