R.D. Eldridge

R.D. Eldridge, age 87 of Kettering, passed away August 21, 2019. He was born August 15, 1932 in Livingston, TN to the late Wheeler and Etta Eldridge. In addition to his parents, R.D. was preceded in death by brothers and sisters-in-law: Oscar & Ruby Eldridge, Gradon & Auda Eldridge, Charles & Amy Eldridge and Jessie Eldridge; son-in-law, Edward John Furl; and several nieces and nephews.

R.D. is survived by his loving wife of nearly 65 years, Colleen Eldridge; children: Sonya (Willie) Reffitt, Cynthia (John) Curtis and Robbie (Danielle) Eldridge; 4 grandchildren: Tammy Gene (Glenn) Schmaltz, Shawn Jason Furl, Charlotte Tenille Reffitt and Carolyn E. Wilson; 11 great-grandchildren: Ciara, Braden, Kohnor, Shawn Jr, Aubrey, Jacob, Seth, Sydney, Alivia, Morgan and Reid; brother, William Eldridge; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

R.D. retired from General Motors after 37 years of service. He was a past Superintendent of the Masonic Temple in Dayton, Ohio; was a member of the Solar Lodge # 730 F.&A.M., Scottish Rite, York Rite, Antioch Shrine, Independent Order of Oddfellows, Woodman of the World, and was a national organizer for many other organizations. R.D. was a chef and managed Lou's Restaurant. He also owned Union Lumber Company. R.D. was a servant of God who was a minister at many local churches. He most recently attended at Maple Heights Baptist Church.

R.D. loved his country and was active in many patriotic activities. He was a great humanitarian who served many in need, he would give you the shirt off his back. He had strong convictions, he stood up for what he believed in. He was proud of where he came from and expected complete respect for his family, whom he loved dearly. He was the best Santa Claus to his family. R.D. was a devoted husband, a wonderful father and a beloved grandpa who will be missed by all who knew him. First and foremost, R.D. was a believer in God and Jesus Christ.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 pm on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at Newcomer North Chapel, 4104 Needmore Road, Dayton, Ohio, where a Masonic Service will begin at 7:30 pm. Visitation will be held from 5-8 pm on Friday, August 30, 2019 at Speck Funeral Home, 300 North Church Street, Livingston, Tennessee, where a Masonic Service will begin at 7:00 pm. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday at Speck Funeral Home. Burial to follow at Overton County Memorial Gardens. To share a memory of R.D. or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.