Lee Mentel Bridges Jr.

Lee M. Bridges Jr. 72, transitioned away peacefully on June 20, 2023, after a short illness at the home of his daughter Traci, surrounded by the love of his family. Lee was born December 29, 1950, in Steubenville, Ohio, to the late Mary L. Parrish Thornton and Lee M. Bridges Sr. Lee aka Big or Red, we his family called him Skip, attended and graduated from Mansfield Sr. High in 1969 He was employed for many years with the former Mansfield Tire and Rubber Company, later employed with the Ohio Brass when the Tire folded. After 25 Years of service Lee retired from MANCI. Lee loved fishing (and could fillet a fish better than anyone). He loved and watched football and baseballs games on television. His favorite teams were the Browns, Ohio State and the Cleveland Indians (Guardians). His other pastimes when not fishing was bowling and coaching different girls’ softball teams with his friend, Howard (Scob) Lindsay. Sadly, Lee leaves to cherish him, two daughters, L. Mychele Bridges, and Traci S. Hardin, both of Mansfield; a son, Ulysses S. (Kimberly) Bridges, Akron; one bonus son, Melvin (Nicole) Girtman, Mansfield; goddaughter, Allison Lindsay; two brothers, Jack C. Thornton, of Warren, Ohio, and Glenn (Shirley) Floyd, of St. Louis, MO; a sister, Rene Bridges, of St. Louis, Mo.; five grandchildren, Yavell (Haley) Hardin, Jamaica S. Bridges, LaTahvia S. Hardin, all of Mansfield, Dominique Bridges, Canton, Ohio, Grayson S. Bridges, Akron, Ohio; two great-grandsons, Kyro M. and Zarro N. Hardin, both of Mansfield, Ohio. Lee and former-wife Mary Bridges enjoyed co-parenting and remained close friends over the years. Her/His extended family who thought of Lee as a brother in love includes, Ann (Leon) Jefferson, Brenda Scott, both of Mansfield, Ohio, William Scott, Cape Coral, Fl., Faye Thornton, Warren, Ohio. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by both parents; his Big Mama who helped raised him, Savannah Moore; youngest brother, Paris Bridges; older brother, Dave Hasting; and dear friend and sister in love, Delores Scott with whom he was very close. Lee cared for his family and would do anything he could for anyone that had a need. The calling hours will be one-hour prior to the services at 12 pm, Friday, June 23, 2023, at Small’s Funeral Services, 326 Park Ave W., Mansfield, Ohio 44906, with Rev. Aaron Williams officiating. The burial will follow at Mansfield Memorial Park, 2507 Park Avenue West, Mansfield, Ohio 44906 The family has entrusted Small’s Funeral Services with the arrangements.

Lee Mentel Bridges Jr.

December 29, 1950 - June 20, 2023