FRANKLIN - Arlon Estel Eldridge, 78, formerly of Lebanon, Tennessee, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022, at his residence.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Betty Eldridge; sister, Mary Ann Brady; brother, Billy Odell Eldridge; and sister-in-law, Elaine Eldridge.
He is survived by wife of 48 years, Sonja Eldridge; children, Amiee (Matt) Bailey and Robbie (Janet) Hayles; grandchildren, McKenzie Hayles, Jessie Hayles and Devlin Bailey; brothers, Ray Eldridge, T.C. (Emma) Eldridge, Ernest B. Eldridge and Junior (Jeannie) Eldridge; sisters, Ruby Roberts, Margaret Brady and Christine Baine; numerous loving nieces and nephews; and other loving family and friends.
Mr. Eldridge was the owner of Cowee Mountain Ruby Mine and of the Baptist faith. He was also a member of the Junaluska Masonic Lodge 145, the Nequassa Chapter #43 Order of the Eastern Star, Smokey Mountain Shriners and Franklin Gem and Mineral Society. He loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Aug. 29 in the Christian Life Chapel in Lebanon. Visitation was prior to the service. Interment followed in the Wilson County Memorial Gardens. Bro. Rick Edwards officiated.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Franklin Gem and Mineral Society or Shriners Hospital.
Partlow Funeral Chapel in Lebanon, Tennessee, is in care of arrangements.