Connie Earnhardt

Cornelia (Connie) Belle Estridge Earnhardt was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah Georgia on November 18, 1942 to Robert Hoyle Estridge and Hattie Lee Turner Estridge. She moved with her family to Matthews, North Carolina at the age of 2 and graduated from East Mecklenburg High School in 1960. She went on to attend Kings Business College in Charlotte while working for her father’s company, Estul Tools in Matthews.

Connie met Lloyd Douglas (Doug) Earnhardt at a dance they both attended. When Doug first saw Connie, his comment was, “That’s the girl I am going to marry.” Well, that is exactly what happened and they were married at Oakhurst Baptist Church in Charlotte on September 30th, 1961. She was blessed with a marriage of over 62 years with a husband who adored her, respected her, and never stopped caring for her until it was time to say goodbye on January 3, 2024.

While raising her 2 children, Douglas Jr. and Traci Lynn, Connie would occasionally work as needed at Glidden Paint Company where Doug worked. It was there her life crossed paths with a family-owned business, Interstate Roofing Company, in 1978. Connie became their Corporate Secretary and a Board Member until her retirement in 2004. She loved her 27 years at Interstate and developed many friendships that remained in her life to this day.

Connie and Doug are Charter Members of East Baptist Church in Charlotte and helped the church develop into a community church that thrived for many years. She was very involved in many church activities, loved her Sunday School Class, and cherished the friendships she made through her faith.

Connie loved reading, senior church lunches, and going to the beach. She spent many years with her family enjoying their beach place at Lakewood Camping Resort in Surfside Beach, SC.

Connie’s love of God and her faith in Jesus Christ helped her navigate as a wife, mother and grandmother. She was proud to be a Christian, knew her Bible, read it daily, and could always provide insight when asked about certain scriptures. She truly walked in her faith and her faith is what brought her home to find peace. She is in the loving arms of God where she is no longer battling physical ailments and the cruelty of dementia.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Robert Gene Estridge, and her sister Robin Estridge Hill. She leaves behind her son Lloyd Douglas Earnhardt, Jr. (Elena) and Traci Earnhardt Hord. She had 4 grandchildren, Lloyd Douglas Earnhardt, III (Hannah) and Robert Dale Earnhardt (Kaitlin), Ashlyn Elizabeth Hord, and Kaitlin Belle Hord. Her 3 great grandchildren (Douglas III & Hannah) are Rorie, Duncan and Elliot, affectionately known as the Red Heads. Connie also leaves behind a nephew, Robert Gene Estridge, Jr. (Bob).

The tapestry of Connie’s life will continue to be remembered as we honor her life through our cherished memories. The family requests that donations be made to East City Church (formally East Baptist Church) 6850 Monroe Rd. Charlotte, NC 28212.