Jerry Eldridge

Jerry F. Eldridge, 82, a resident of Haldeman, passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center in Lexington.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Sharon White Eldridge.  They were married on the 23rd of August, 1986 at the Haldeman Church of God.

Jerry was born August 31, 1936 in Haldeman, the son of the late Thomas A. and Lillian Messer Eldridge and the grandson of the late William (“Penny”) and Ida Patton Eldridge, and James (“Ebb”) and Pearl James Messer.

In addition to his parents and grandparents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Judy Johnson Eldridge, and two brothers, Ronald Lee Eldridge and William M. (“Bill”) Eldridge.

Besides his wife, he is survived by six children: Michael Eldridge of Morehead; Gregory Eldridge and his wife, Mary Lisa of Jackson; Kevin Eldridge and his wife, Deborah of Dundas, Ontario; Kelli Keller and her husband, Robert of Haldeman; Ron Fannin and his wife, Julie of Morehead; and Scott Fannin of Wallingford, one brother, Roger Eldridge and his wife, Avanelle of Haldeman, his grandchildren:  Kia Littleton and her husband Jason, Kapplan Keller and his wife, Jessica, Duncan Eldridge, Adam Eldridge, Robyn Eldridge, Cole Fannin, Kensey Mays, Laney Mays, Trace (“Gabe”) Fannin, and Larron Fannin, his great-grandchildren, Keleigh Littleton, Bennett Littleton, Wayde Keller and Heidi Keller and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jerry attended grade school and the first two years of high school at Haldeman and graduated from Morehead High School in 1954. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He spent his 20 year career as an Air Traffic Controller with assignments at Johnson AB, Japan; Homestead AFB, Florida; Shaw AFB, South Carolina; Sondrestrom AB, Greenland; Incirlik AB, Turkey; and Fort Campbell AAF, Kentucky.  After retiring in 1974, he was employed by Morehead Furniture and Appliance as an appliance repairman and was the store manager from 1979 until 1982. He then operated his own appliance repair business until 1992, retiring to spend more time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

To the family and many friends Jerry was known as Pappy.  Originally intended as the name the grandchildren would use, he was soon called Pappy by everyone since it suited him so well.

Jerry's favorite things in life were his grandkids and great-grandkids, piddling around in his shop, the yearly family trips to Myrtle Beach, estate auctions, and the large family and friends get togethers.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 9, 2019 in the chapel of the Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Morehead with Rev. Mike Barker officiating.

Full military rites will be conducted at the funeral home by the Corbie Ellington American Legion Post No. 126.

Visitation is from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society are encouraged.

Pallbearers will be his grandchildren.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Tom Newcomb, Perry Kirby, Richard Thornhill, and Steven Eldridge.

The Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Morehead is caring for all arrangements.