Solomon Elijah "Eli" Bridgen

Solomon Elijah "Eli" Bridgen, age 26, died April 25, 2016 at the home of his "Auntie T" in Randleman, NC. Eli was born in Roanoke, VA on July 28, 1989. Right from the beginning Eli was a free spirit, charming those around him with his gregarious personality, contagious laughter, dancing blue eyes, mischievous grin and head full of wild curls. The majority of his life was spent growing up and running wild in Buchanan, VA. Eli loved animals, music, and spending time outdoors, especially playing in the creek or floating down the James River. At the time of his death, Eli was living in Randleman, NC where he had moved to make a fresh start. He was a full-time student, pursuing a degree in Computer Integrated Machinery at Guilford Technical Community College and working part-time at Randolph Stair and Rail Company. Eli knew no strangers. He is remembered by family and friends for being funny, kind-hearted, generous, and protective; the kind of person who was always willing to lend a hand or give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. But there was also a darker side to him. Behind his smile, Eli struggled with depression and addiction. In the end they took him from us far too soon. Eli was preceded in death by his grandparents, James and Nancy Bridgen and Jesse and Norma Adams; aunt, Lacondia Jo "Jodi" Hill; and niece, Alexis Bridgen. He is survived by his parents, William and Janet Bridgen, of Daleville, VA; brother, Eric Bridgen and his fiancé, Lindsey Barton, of Burnt Chimney, VA; sister, Julia Bridgen, of Daleville, VA; aunt and uncle, Meade and Kathie Coulson, of Roanoke, VA; aunt, Teresa Anderson, of Randleman, NC; uncle, Chip Anderson, of Randleman NC; aunt and uncle, Ramona and Jonathan Elmore, of Chesterfield, VA; Forever Sister-In-Law, Angela Lane, of Roanoke, VA; nephew and nieces, Jonathan Smith, of Roanoke, VA, Trinity Bridgen of Roanoke, VA and Dalilah Bridgen of Burnt Chimney, VA; cousins, Galen Coulson of Roanoke, VA; Jesse Anderson, of Washington, D.C. and Jake and Kate Elmore, of Chesterfield, VA; very special friends, Nicholas and Chalee Juba and their daughter, Laci, of Roanoke, VA, Shane Craighead of Roanoke, VA, Paige Collings Barham of Roanoke, VA, the Rancer Family of Summerfield, NC, and numerous other family members and friends. A memorial service honoring Eli's life will be held at the Buchanan Chapel of Botetourt Funeral Home on Saturday, May 7th, 2016. Visitation will be held 2-3PM, with the service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, Eli would have liked donations to go towards helping animals. The family suggests Forever Home Animal Rescue, online at fharva.org or by mail at P.O. Box 20156, Roanoke, VA 24018.