Junior Bridgeman’s family story is one of love, success, and deep-rooted connections. He was married to Doris Griffith Bridgeman for nearly five decades. Their journey together began long before Junior became one of the wealthiest former athletes in the world.
Doris, a graduate of Tougaloo College in Mississippi (Class of 1969), built a career in community service and education, notably serving as the Director of Alumni Relations at her alma mater. She also worked as the Director of Youth Programs & Volunteer Services at United Way of the Capital Area, Inc.
Junior Bridgeman and His Wife, Doris Griffith, Shared Three Children: Eden, Ryan, and Justin
Throughout Junior’s career transitions—from an NBA player to a billionaire entrepreneur—Doris was not only his wife but also his business partner and biggest supporter. Their marriage, lasting 48 years until Junior’s passing in 2025, was anchored in their shared Christian faith, which their daughter Eden highlighted in an Instagram tribute on their anniversary: “48 years and counting…Happy Anniversary, Mom & Dad! A testament to true love and devotion by putting Christ first at the center of your marriage!”
Together, Junior and Doris raised three children: Eden, Ryan, and Justin Bridgeman. Each of them has carried forward their father’s legacy in different ways. Eden Bridgeman Sklenar, the youngest of the three, is a powerhouse in the publishing industry. She became the CEO and owner of Ebony and Jet magazines after Junior purchased them in 2020 for $14 million. These iconic publications, originally founded by John H. Johnson in 1945, had been struggling financially before Junior’s acquisition.
Under Eden’s leadership, Ebony was relaunched in March 2021. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Louisville and later completed her MBA in Entrepreneurship at Loyola University’s Chicago-Quinlan School of Business. Eden is also a wife and mother, married to Gregory Sklenar.
Ryan Bridgeman, the middle child, took the reins of the family’s restaurant empire. He officially stepped into the leadership role in 2017, serving as CEO of Manna Inc., a company that at its peak owned over 450 Wendy’s and Chili’s restaurants across the U.S. Ryan made significant strategic changes, scaling back to a more manageable 250 locations and focusing on efficiency. He is also the president and managing member of RD Services and Bridgeman Hospitality.
His leadership in the franchise business has been widely recognized, with his restaurants consistently outperforming industry standards. Born and raised in Louisville, Ryan is a father of two kids, ensuring that the Bridgeman name continues for future generations.
Justin Bridgeman, the most private of the three siblings, has remained largely out of the public eye. Unlike his brother and sister, there is little information available about his professional pursuits, though he is undoubtedly part of the strong family foundation that Junior and Doris built.
Junior Bridgeman’s Remarkable Life: Basketball, Business, and Family First
Junior Bridgeman’s legacy was as much about family as it was about business and basketball. Despite never earning more than $350,000 per season in his 12-year NBA career, he built an empire that ultimately made him a billionaire. His business acumen, faith, and dedication to family were the pillars of his life. Even after retiring from basketball, he remained a devoted husband and father, attending his kids’ milestones and mentoring them in business. His success story—one that began in East Chicago, Indiana, where his own father worked in a steel mill—culminated in him becoming one of the most respected businessmen and philanthropists in the country.
On March 11, 2025, Junior Bridgeman’s remarkable journey came to an end when he suffered a heart attack during a fundraising event at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville. His passing at 71 was met with an outpouring of grief, not just from his family but from the entire sports and business communities.
The Milwaukee Bucks, where he played the majority of his NBA career, released a heartfelt statement mourning the loss of their legend and part-owner, saying, “We are heartbroken by Junior’s passing and we send our deepest condolences to his wife, Doris, his children, Eden, Justin, and Ryan, his entire family and all those close to him.” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also paid tribute, calling him “the ultimate entrepreneur” and a role model for generations of athletes.
