Philip Benjamin Bridgeman, 76, of Piggott, died Sunday, March 18, 2007, at the Piggott Community Hospital.

He was a Southern Baptist, a twenty-two year Air Force Veteran, a member of the VFW and the American Legion.

Bridgeman bought a pecan orchard before entering into the military in 1951 with plans to operate the business when he ended his time in service. He owned and operated the orchard until 2004 when he sold the business and moved to town. During the thirteen years after he retired from the military and the orchard began to produce, he worked for Emerson Electric in Kennett.

He was married to Mary Lou "Norton" June 21, 1963.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou of the home, three daughters, Karen McMahon and husband Bobby of Kennett, Phyllis Tanner, Janette Dunlap and husband Randy, all of Piggott; six grandchildren, Courtney McMahon, Keegan Dunlap, Brantley Dunlap, Mary Dunlap, Clay Tanner and Cole Tanner; and many other loving family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Iva "Biggs" Bridgeman; two brothers, L.J. Bridgeman and Paul Bridgeman.

Funeral services were Wednesday, March 21, at the Irby Funeral Home in Piggott with Bro. Kevin Murray officiating. Interment followed in the Piggott Cemetery.

Active pallbearers were Roger Morris, Brock Swann, Kent Coomer, Joel Coomer, Kevin Jones, and Brad Montgomery. Honorary pallbearers were Dustin Patterson, George Norton, Pete Norton, Matt Sutfin, and Gary Blaylock.

All arrangements were by Irby Funeral Home in Piggott.