Darryl Allen Bridges

Darryl Allen Bridges was born in Longview, Texas on January 6,1954 as the youngest of two children of Jacob and Minnie Cooksey Bridges who both preceded him in death.

Darryl attended Pine Tree High School in Longview, TX where he was not only an academic scholar, but also excelled in football, basketball and track & field. As a star athlete, he once scored 41 points in back-to-back games; the season high and his career high at Pine Tree High School. Darryl received various academic honors and awards and still holds athletic records at Pine Tree High School to this day.

Darryl was recruited by Howard University on a 4-year full scholarship and was the team’s leading punter. He received several athletic accolades including a certificate of achievement award in Intercollegiate athletics from 1973- 1975. He not only excelled in athletics, but also in academics where he was a Business Administration major in the School of Business. His teammates affectionally referred to him as “Al Green” because of his striking resemblance and sultry voice. Darryl had a passion for singing and was known for his smooth falsetto sound. With this passion, he partnered with fellow soulful members of the football team to create the singing sensation “The Tradewinds”. They even had a fan club that wore their Tradewind t-shirts proudly to every concert. Darryl matriculated through his scholastic journey and graduated from the School of Business with his Bachelor of Administration Degree in 1976.

While attending Howard University, he met the love of his life, Michelle Hopson, whom he loved deeply until the time of his transition. Darryl and Michelle were married on July 28, 1979 in Memphis, Tennessee and will celebrate 45 years of marriage this year. To this union, were born two beautiful children, Lauren Michelle and Daniel Allen, who he considers his pride and joy and greatest accomplishments.

Upon graduation from Howard, Darryl began his professional career with Dow Chemical in Chicago, IL as a Sales Account Manager. Darryl’s exceptional leadership and business skills led to his continuous promotional growth throughout his career. After several successful years at Dow Chemical, Darryl joined DuPont in Wilmington, DE where he was a Sales Manager and led a winning sales team that won many prestigious awards including the Superior Sales Achievement Award in 1992 and the Sales District of the Year Award in 1994. As Darryl’s career continued to grow, he later joined Sigma Aldrich as a National Sales Director. He was a consistent top sales leader, and his team was awarded the Over 100% Club Award in 2010 and 2015 for their achievements in reaching over 100 percent of their sales quota. He also received the 2012 Sales Excellence Award for his outstanding efforts and success. After 4 decades of a successful career in Health Science Biotechnology, he retired and could often be found on the golf course or in his home music studio singing Luther Vandross and classic Motown ballads.

Darryl was incredibly influential and had a love for mentoring. He affectionally took many under his wing, equipping them with invaluable tools to navigate life as a father, professional, and citizen. For friends, family and professional associates, Darryl was known as the “go-to” for needed advice and coaching in all areas of life. He was a true visionary and had a wealth of knowledge on any subject and could spend hours debating life issues with thought provoking witty banter.

While in retirement, Darryl dedicated his professional and compassionate leadership skills to the Joseph and Terrence Tusan Foundation. He was instrumental in raising over $30,000 in scholarship funds for students graduating from high school and going to college. In addition to his community involvement, he also enjoyed gourmet cooking with perfectly curated presentation that he affectionately called “Love on a Plate.” Amongst Darryl’s many talents, he loved gardening and had a flare for creative home décor and design.

Darryl accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized as a child at Willow Springs Baptist Church in Longview, TX. He was a past member of the choir at Eighth Street Baptist Church, Wilmington, DE and St. Paul Baptist Church in Oxnard, CA. Upon his passing, he was a faithful member of One Community Church in Plano, TX under the leadership of Dr. Conway Edwards. He served on the AV team and was an active member of the Over 50 Life Group.

He leaves to carry on his legacy his devoted wife, Michelle Bridges; daughter who he called his “Babygirl” and she affectionately calls her “Superman”, Lauren Michelle; son who was his golfing buddy and most trusted confidant, Daniel Allen; sister, Sheila Williams of Cypress, TX (John); and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and treasured friends.

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