ANDERSON, SC -- Joe R Bridwell, age 80, of 58 Oleander Drive, departed his life on earth to live eternally with his heavenly father, on March 17th at the Rainey Hospice House.    

Born November 10, 1930, in Spartanburg, SC, he was the son of the late J.B. and Blanche Knighton Bridwell. Mr. Bridwell served in the United States Marine Corp. He was a well known and successful realtor in Anderson for more than 35 years and reluctantly retired from Remax Foothills Realty after a decline in his health. Prior to a wonderful career in Real Estate, he retired from Smith Wholesale Drug Company in Spartanburg, SC. Mr. Bridwell was a Shriner and a member of Masonic Lodge No 274, a member of the Anderson Upstate Board of Realtors - having served on numerous committees, and was a member of Concord Baptist Church.

He is survived by his loving wife, Judy Carroll Bridwell and his constant “little” companion, Buddy of the home. Also surviving are a son, Rick Bridwell of Anderson, SC; daughters, Mary Jo Splawn and husband Carroll, Judy Webb and husband Dean, all of Anderson, SC, and Linda Rettew Rushton and husband Steve of Pendleton, SC. Eight grandchildren are surviving: Bobby Rettew and wife Sarah, Jennifer Rettew, Amanda Locotosh and husband Chris, Marc Splawn, Brent Bridwell and wife Tasha, Matt Bridwell, Ross Bridwell, and Jacob Webb and wife Krystal. A brother-in-law, Jerry Carroll and wife Brenda of Spartanburg, SC, and one great grandchild, Isabella Webb and step grandchildren: Stephanie Rushton, Geoffrey Rushton and wife Jassica, step great grandchildren Wesley Rushton, Parker Metcalf and Carys Metcalf are also surviving.

The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 19, 2011, in the Chapel of The McDougald Funeral Home conducted by Dr. Don R. Cox.  Interment will follow in Oaklawn Memorial Gardens.

The family is at the home and will receive friends at The McDougald Funeral Home from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Friday.  Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.

The Bridwell family wishes to acknowledge the Staff of NHC Healthcare of Anderson for the genuine care given to Mr. Bridwell.

A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com.
THE McDOUGALD FUNERAL HOME is in charge of the arrangements.