Norwood, NC — An esteemed gathering marked the notable close of an era in Stanly County recently as legal professionals and community members came together to honor retiring Superior Court Judge Kevin Bridges in a special ceremonial court session. A native of Norwood, Bridges has had a distinguished tenure, serving in various capacities within the North Carolina justice system, culminating in this heartfelt farewell that underscored his impactful career.
Bridges, who began his formal education as a valedictorian at South Stanly High School, continued to excel academically, earning a Morehead scholarship to attend the University of North Carolina. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in 1987, followed by earning his Juris Doctor from UNC Law School three years later. His legal career kicked off under the auspices of attorney David Chambers on October 1, 1990.
His service in the legal field soon escalated when he joined the District Attorney’s office for Judicial District 20 in 1994. Bridges’s judicial career took a significant turn in 1997 when then-Governor James Hunt appointed him to the District Court for Judicial District 20A, a role in which he served diligently until the end of 2008. Subsequently, he was elected to the Superior Court in 2009, where he remained until his retirement, serving as a senior resident Superior Court Judge for District 28, covering Stanly and Montgomery counties.
The ceremonial court session was an occasion filled with anecdotes and praises from colleagues and friends. Stanly County Clerk of Court Ginger Efird lauded Bridges for his punctuality and professional demeanor, reminiscing about her own swearing-in process, which Bridges conducted with precision right at midnight.
Colleagues past and present extolled Bridges for his fairness and respect in the courtroom. Attorney Charles Parnell, who had both worked with and appeared before Bridges, emphasized the respect Bridges commanded, even among those who might disagree with his rulings. As testimony to Bridges’s character and respect within the community, he was presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, a prestigious recognition by the Governor of North Carolina for exemplary service to the state and community.
Among personal anecdotes, Attorney Charles Brown shared fond memories, illustrating Bridges’s lighter side and the camaraderie they shared as fellow UNC alumni. Brown’s gift of a box of “Special K” cereal to Bridges humorously acknowledged the nickname given to Bridges by another colleague, encapsulating the blend of respect and warm personal relationships Bridges maintained throughout his career.
In his remarks, Bridges reflected on the numerous individuals who shaped his career, thanking his family, colleagues, and mentors for their support and influence. He stressed the profound role of character in the pursuit of justice, encapsulating his view of the judiciary not just as a career but as a lifelong commitment to serving the principles of justice.
As he steps down from the bench, Kevin Bridges leaves behind a legacy marked by respect, diligence, and a deep commitment to the legal community and the principles of justice. Community members and colleagues alike will remember his tenure as a time of integrity and service.
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