Ernest Reed Aldridge

Ernest Reed Aldridge, 94, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 20, 2024.  He was born April 1, 1930, in North Carolina, the son of the late Robert and Minerva (Townsend) Aldridge.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers, Edward, Tommy, Allen, Billy, and Bobby Aldridge; and four sisters, Muriel Bellamy, Juanita Mowbray, Vivian Turner, and Paulette Aldridge. Reed was a long-standing member of Antioch Baptist Church. 
 

Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Grace Garnett Aldridge; two children, Larry Aldridge (Darlene), and Darlene Allen (Kyle); grandsons, Justin Allen (Shannon), Jeremy Allen (Ginger), Matthew Aldridge (Brittany); granddaughters, Tabatha Reuschling (Chad), Melanie Evans (Kevin), Taylor Kidd (David); great-grandchildren, Liyah Allen, Wesley Allen, Bentley Allen, Jace Allen, Adalyn Aldridge, Trevor Reuschling (Kaycie), Trace Reuschling, Breanna Lee (Carter), Blake Evans, Jayne Kidd, Bennett Kidd, and Dawson Kidd; great-great grandchildren, Blakely Reuschling, Kinsley Lee, and Olivia Lee.  Also surviving are his siblings, one brother, Hugh Aldridge; and three sisters Erma Roberts, Udee Payne, and Dixie Fields.

Reed was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, having served his country in the Korean War.   He worked as a heavy equipment operator, retiring from Faulconer Construction.  Always active and never one to sit idle, he later went to work with Binky Tapscott.
 

Reed was a devout man who read his Bible daily, was deeply committed, and loved his family dearly. Always ready to help others, he would give freely whatever he had without a second thought. He enjoyed working in his garden, tending to his yard, watching Westerns, and taking country drives to visit friends. Those who knew him often joked with him about how his hat, tilted slightly to the side, sat ever so lightly on his head.
 

A memorial service will be held at a later date.  Thacker Brothers Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.  Family and friends may share memories and photos at www.thackerbrothers.com.

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