Eldridge Willard Wright

Eldridge Willard Wright, age 88, of Cleveland, TN peacefully went to be with the Lord at 9:15am on Sunday November 1, 2015.



Eldridge was born December 13, 1926 in Malone, Jackson County, FL to Henry Wright and Essie Peeler Wright. He was married to Barbara Barineau of Tallahassee, FL on March 4, 1953 in Tallahassee, FL. They were married for 62 years.



During WWII Eldridge was inducted into the US Army in May of 1945 and deployed to Wiesbaden, Germany. He served as a rifleman and medical supply technician earning the rank of corporal. He was awarded the WWII Victory Medal and the Army Occupation Medal before being Honorably discharged in November of 1947.



Eldridge attended Jr. college until the Korean conflict began and he was then inducted into the US Air Force and earning the rank of Staff Sargent. He was Honorably discharged in March of 1952.



After a few short years as a salesman Eldridge founded the Wright Well Drilling and Irrigation Systems Company where for 10 years he worked with Minute Maid and High-Acres Orange Juice companies drilling wells and installing irrigation systems in their orange groves.



In 1968 Eldridge made a career change and began working in the Gas and Oil Pipeline industry for the next 38 years. He loved his work and which took him to all 50 states and several foreign countries. Eldridge belonged to Local 917 Operating Engineers, Chattanooga TN and was also a member of the Petroleum Operating Engineers Association. He retired in 2006.



Eldridge loved serving at his church Westmore Church of God, Cleveland TN. He was a member of the Pastors Prayer Partners Team and also served as an usher.



Eldridge is survived by his wife of 62 years Barbara Wright, his sons David Wright, Dayton, OH; Andrew Wright (Narda), Frisco TX; Rex Wright (April), McDonough, GA; Kevin Wright (Denise), Cleveland, TN; a sister Edna Stephens, Grand Ridge, FL; eleven grand children and four great-grand children and numerous nephews, nieces, in-laws, adopted family and friends.



Eldridge was preceded in death by his father and mother Henry and Essie Wright; two brothers, Frank and Otis Wright, a sister Madelyn Wright and a grandson Joshua Wright.



Visitation and Funeral Services will be held at Westmore Church of God in Cleveland, TN, Tuesday November 3, 2015. Visitation will begin at 10:30am to 12pm. Funeral services will begin at 12pm and will conclude with military honors. The interment will be in private in the Chattanooga National Cemetery.



In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial donations be made in Eldridge's name to the Disabled American Veterans by going to www.dav.org and clicking on "Donate Now."



You are encouraged to share a memory of Eldridge and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial web page and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com.



Companion Funeral Home and the Cody family are honored to assist the Wright family with his arrangements.


Visitation Details
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2015
Westmore Church of God
2412 Wolfe Drive NW
Cleveland, TN 37311

Interment

Celebration of Life Service Details
12:00 PM
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2015
Westmore Church of God
2412 Wolfe Drive NW
Cleveland, TN 37311

Chattanooga National Cemetery
Private