Franklin Eugene Eldridge Sr.

Franklin Eugene “Gene” Eldridge, Sr., 79 of Statesville, died Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at Iredell Memorial Hospital.
He was born in Vivian, WV on February 7, 1943, to the late Jack Eldridge and Lena Belcher Eldridge. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Earl and Alvin Eldridge and a sister, Mary Richardson.
Gene worked in the furniture industry for many years and was employed at Gilliam Furniture for more than 24 years before owning and operating his business, Eldridge Custom Upholstery. He enjoyed all types of music, especially Merle Haggard and bluegrass. Other interests included NASCAR, especially Dale Earnhardt, and drag racing. More than anything, Gene loved spending time with his family, and his best friend and lap companion, Dora.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 61 years, Effie Eldridge, three children, Frankie Eldridge (Brenda) of Easley SC, Melissa “Cissy” Eldridge of Statesville, Nita Eldridge (Lee) of Laurel Hill, NC, eight grandchildren, Bryan Eldridge (Beth) of Easley SC, Amanda Emory (Justin) of Easley SC, Eric Cook of Stony Point, Travis Cook of Statesville, Nikki Moose (Andrew) of Stony Point, Chad Eldridge of Statesville, Rod Mayfield of Statesville, Greg Eldridge (Kerri) of Statesville, 19 great-grandchildren and a sister, Ruth Profitt.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at 3:00 pm at Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel. The family will visit with friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Childrens Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Condolences may be left at www.nicholsonfunerals.com . Nicholson Funeral Home is honored to serve the Eldridge family.