Eldridge King

Eldridge King was born August 28, 1923 in Pocahontas, TN the son of the late Dim and Mittie Atkinson King. As most families who lived during the Great Depression education was not as important as taking care of family. Eldridge finished the 4th grade and then had to quit school to help his dad make a living for the family.

He was united in marriage to Lonell Whitten on September 26, 1942. Mrs. King preceded him in death on January 24, 2015.

Mr. King served his country proudly and honorably during World War II. He was a Staff Sergeant Headquarters 2d Battalion 63d Infantry Division. During his service, he served twice overseas earning Asiatic Pacific Theater Service Medal and Philippine Liberation Ribbon along with Good Conduct Medal and Army of Occupation Medal Japan. He was a proud American who believed in the colors of the United States Flag and displaying the flag with great pride and respect.

Mr. King retired from Brown Shoe Company after 33 years as a machinist. He had also worked at Caterpillar in Peoria, Illinois and Charles Goodrum Sawmill in Selmer. He was shaped by the Great Depression always remembering what was instilled in him at the young age of nine: you take care of your family and love God.

Mr. King was a longtime member of Full Gospel Fellowship Church in Bethel Springs. He loved going to church and worshiping God. His love for God was first and he dearly loved his beautiful wife, Lonell. He loved family gatherings and enjoyed making his fresh squeezed lemonade especially for 4th of July celebrations. He raised his own vegetable garden, ate onions every day, and always enjoyed a plate of fish. He kept his mind busy with
find-a-word puzzle books.

Before "man caves" were popular, Mr. King had a special place at the barn to hang out, beside his heater. He was the kind of man who took special care of not only his family but also his tractor, car and trucks. His independence was important to him and he kept it to the end.

Eldridge King was a Christian man who loved God, Country and Family. He leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, faith, valour, honor, and love.

Mr. King departed this life on October 4, 2019 in Selmer, Tennessee at the age of 96 Years, 1 Month, 6 Days. He is survived by two daughters, Junell Goodrum and husband Charles of Selmer, TN, Connie Moore and husband Duane of Pocahontas, TN; three sons, Larry King, Lonnie King, and John King and wife Dottie all of Selmer, TN; a sister, Delcie Goodrum of Eupora, MS; two sisters-in-law, Shirlene King and Elizabeth King; ten grandchildren, Stephanie Goodrum (Scotty), Jason King (Belinda), Pamela Sagely (Tommy), Amy King (Greg), Kristi Harris (Brian), Angela Griswell (Shane), Alicia Shaw (Adam), Sarah Moore, Jonathan Moore (Leanna), Rachel Moore;

sixteen great grandchildren, Alise Duncan McDaniel (Zach), Peyton Duncan, Brent King (Elizabeth), Sidney Goodrum, Ana Whitten Dunn (Britt), Tristan King, Allie King, Elaina Harris, Lydia Harris, Allison Griswell, Leslie Kate Shaw, Macie Shaw, Gavin Shaw, Abigail Moore, Daisy Sawyer, John Henry Moore; two great-great-grandchildren, Ahylvia McDaniel and Haven McDaniel; two step grandchildren, Hunter Sagely and Megan Tidwell (Shane); and a host of extended family and friends.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. King was preceded in death by two daughters-in-law, Patsy King wife of Lonnie and Shirley King wife of Larry; granddaughter, Sherrie King Duncan; a sister, Vestie McDaniel; two brothers, Preston and Welborn King.