Clifton Lee Bridges, M.D. passed away at his home in Leesburg, Florida on September 25, 2024 following a long battle with heart disease.
He was born on January 20, 1944 in Elizabeth City, NC to Horace Lee Bridges and Elizabeth O’dell (Carver) Bridges. His father was career Navy and he spent his early years living all over the country including time on two bases in the Hawaiian Islands.
After his father’s retirement the family returned to their hometown of Coleman, FL where Cliff attended Wildwood High School. There he met his future wife of 60 years, Glenda (Johnson) and both received their BA from University of South Florida in 1965. In 1969 he graduated from Emory University School of Medicine and was selected to the honorary medical society of AOA. He did his residency training in general surgery and otolaryngology at the University of Alabama and the University of Miami, moving to Leesburg to open his private practice, Lake Ear, Nose, and Throat Associates in 1974. In 1976 Bridges was joined in practice by his medical school friend, James Merriwether Hardy, M.D. For decades, their partnership served our community with purity, holiness and beneficence, honoring the Hippocratic oath.
Dr. Bridges was board certified in both otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery and a Fellow of The American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Bridges was a proud veteran, having served eight years in the U.S Army Reserve Medical Corp. In addition to his private medical practice, Dr. Bridges was active in many community organizations serving as Chief of Staff at Leesburg Regional hospital and Lake Community Hospital. He was president of the Lake County Medical Society, served on the board of Lake Sumter Hospice and the Leesburg Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of Morrison United Methodist Church and served on the finance and endowment committees for many years.
Dr. Bridges served on the boards of Citizens National Bank of Leesburg and later Citizens First Bank of the Villages for a total of 40 years, becoming Chairman of the Board of each. He treasured his banking career and his colleagues there as well as his medical colleagues and patients.
He was a member of the Leesburg Quarterback Club for over 40 years enjoying lifelong friendships and trips with some of his favorite people. He was a member of the USF alumni association and a proud University of Florida Bull Gator and loved taking family and friends to games in the Swamp.
Loving and loyal, dedicated and determined, he was a consummate provider. He gave nothing but the highest standard of care to each and every patient regardless of their ability to pay. His family was his most precious joy. He instilled in his children and grandchildren the belief that knowledge and education are powerful. He demonstrated his faith with generosity, courtesy, kindness, and confidence. Cliff was erudite, resourceful, fair and diplomatic. Until his final days he prioritized providing and creating opportunities for his family as well as providing medical guidance to friends.
We will miss him terribly but will never forget his wisdom, support, and sense of humor. May he rest in peace with joy in the arms of the Lord.
Dr. Bridges is survived by his loving wife Glenda Johnson to whom he was married for 60 years, children Clifton Lee Bridges Jr. M.D. (Allison Sewell), Martha Bridges Mehr, D.D.S (Jon Mehr, D.D.S.), and Lt. Col Ret Christopher Bridges (Lt. Col Ret Heather Hall Bridges). He leaves behind 9 beloved grandchildren, Sam, Cade, Kate, Cliff, Ava, Ryan, Chase, Jay, and Taylor, a beloved brother, Claude Roy Bridges, and six nieces and nephews.
Services for Dr. Bridges will be held Sunday, October 6, at 2 p.m. at Morrison United Methodist Church in Leesburg, FL
