Billy Eldridge, age 87, passed away peacefully at his daughters home on January 24, 2025, following an extended illness.
Billy was born April 24, 1937, in Sandy Hook, Kentucky to the late Lonnie and Golda (Smith) Eldridge. He had been a resident of Shelby since moving North from KY in 1968. Upon moving to Shelby, he immediately found employment with Copperweld Steel Tubing Company and remained there as an overhead crane operator for 31 years, before retiring in 1999.
Billy had a passion for all things with motors. One of his biggest pride and joy in life was his restored 1951 Chevy that he would drive around in with beaming happiness. He loved to enter his car in any local car show that he could, showcasing all the time and effort that he put into cleaning, and maintaining it. He also was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, continuing to ride his Harley astonishingly until the age of 76. Cruising locally and on long rides with his friends to Kentucky and Tennessee. Billy was known for being a generous and kind man that did not know a stranger. He looked forward to his morning coffee with his friends for years at McDonalds.
Billy is survived by his children, Aaron Eldridge of Mt. Vernon, Jeff (Annette) Eldridge of Shelby, and Kathy (Gene) Highfield of Shelby, and Randy (Marie) Brown of Mansfield; eight grandchildren, Brian Eldridge, Rachelle Emory, Billy (Julie) Eldridge, Bayley Eldridge, Heather (Joel) Henkel, Brad (Emily) Bowman, Matt (Kelly) Bowman, Shane (Nicole) Gearheart; 15 great-grandchildren; brother Bobby Joe (Sandy) Eldridge of Shelby; three sisters, Belva Dickerson of KY, Ruth Adkins of KY and Lahoma Ison of KY; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by beloved wife, Linda Eldridge; son Billy Dewayne Eldridge and his wife Toni Marie Eldridge; two sisters, Ruby Keith and Monnie; four brothers-in-law Junior Keith, Donnie Ison, Willard Adkins and Eddie Dickerson.
Friends and family may visit Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Services will immediately follow at the funeral home at 2:00 PM. Pastor James Robinson will officiate with interment held in Oakland Cemetery in Shelby.
In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Richland County Humane Society at 3025 Park Avenue West, Mansfield, OH 44906.
Online condolences may be made at www.barkdullfuneralhome.com
Funeral Home: Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory
Website: www.barkdullfuneralhome.com