John L. Eldridge

John L. Eldridge peacefully passed into the presence of his Lord on AUGUST 18, 2012 at his home. Born in Valdosta, November 14, 1941, John was the younger son of the late Dr. F. G. (Tex) Eldridge and Henrietta Jefferies Eldridge. He graduated from Valdosta High School in 1959. John received his BA in Psychology from Emory University in 1963 and was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. Serving six years in the United States Air Force (1963-69), John was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain. He returned to Valdosta and experienced success in residential real estate sales. With his father he developed River Park RV Park and Fernwood Mobile Home Park as well as another RV park near Darien, Ga.

John's true passion lay in teaching the Bible, which began with a calling from God in November 1974. He first led Sunday school classes at First United Methodist Church before moving on as a founding member New Covenant Christian Center (New Covenant Church), where for a decade he served as an Elder and continued to teach Sunday school. John's service to God also included hosting and teaching weekly Bible studies in his home as well as leading numerous missionary trips to Haiti, Guyana, and Indonesia over the course of 3 decades. In addition, beginning in 1993, John taught weekly Bible studies and led discipleship groups at Valdosta State Prison.

John is survived by his loving wife, Ann Barber Eldridge of Valdosta; his brother and sister in law, Frank & Gail Eldridge of Valdosta; three sons and two daughters in law, John, Jr. & Amy Eldridge of Greenville SC, Julian Eldridge of Berkeley, CA, Jefferies & Joy Eldridge of Valdosta; two daughters and sons in law, Eleanor & Parrish Clark of Valdosta, and Mary Clarice & Jeff Hathaway of Kennesaw; two stepsons, Dr. William (Bo) Barber of Mobile, AL and Joshua Barber of Ft. Campbell, KY; twelve grandchildren, 2 nieces and a nephew.

Funeral services for John will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at New Covenant Church. Pastor L.A. Joiner and Pastor Randy Stephen will officiate. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 from 6 until 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org or John's favorite charity, Wycliffe Bible Translators at www.wycliffe.org. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.McLaneCares.com Carson McLane Funeral Home


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602