Louis E. Shortridge

Louis “Big Lou” Edward Shortridge, Jr., of St. Johns, passed away on September 29, 2016 at the Earl B. Hadlow Center for Caring Hospice at the age of 84. Lou was a native of Jacksonville, Florida and a graduate of Andrew Jackson High School. He was a member of the US Navy Reserves from 1950 until the mid 1960’s. In 1951, Lou started working for Abernathy Fisher Opticians. He acquired the business in 1975 and it became Abernathy Shortridge Opticians. Lou proudly served many Jacksonville residents until his retirement in 2007. In his retirement, he worked part-time for Pearl Vision, United Optical and for his son Austin’s landscaping company. In addition, he served on the Florida Board of Opticianry, the State Board of Examiners and was past president of the Southeastern Association of Opticianry. Lou was awarded Optician of the Year, was a lifetime member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Jacksonville Lions Club, the Jacksonville Rotary Club and past President of the Florida Board of Opticianry. He was a man’s man in every sense of the word. He loved the outdoors; particularly hunting, fishing and boating and was an avid golfer. Lou had an immense love of animals. If living in a tent had been an option, he would have done it! Lou stood 6’4” and wore a size 14 shoe. He would always say he had to have big feet so he wouldn’t blow over! He is survived by his wife, Margaret Davis Shortridge; his children Leah Riley (Bob), Trey Shortridge, Austin Shortridge (Tina), Kathryn Benson, Timothy Carter, M.D. (leGay) and Wende Carter; his grandchildren Ashley Lowe (Dave), Kaleigh Shortridge, Lacey Tyson (Jimmy), Terry Shortridge (Ciara), Dalton Shortridge, Danni Glassberg, Jimmy Owens, Ryan Owens and Eli Wolf; great grandchildren, Broxton Tyson, Avery Shortridge, Dakota Shortridge and one on the way; step grandchildren, Maya, Ella, Jake and Nola Glassberg. Lou is also survived by the mother of his children, Gayle Steinmeyer Davis as well as many warm and loving friends whom he cherished; and his loyal companions JoJo and Angelo. He was predeceased by his parents Louis Edward Shortridge and Gladys Chiles Shortridge. There will be a gathering of friends and family on Wednesday, October 5, 2016, at Cimarrone Country Club Clubhouse, 2800 Cimarrone Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32259 beginning at 4:00 p.m. with a memorial service at 6:00 p.m. Golf, hunting and casual attire are welcome. A special thank you to Terk Oncology, Abubakr Oncology and for the loving care provided by the staff of The Earl Hadlow Center for Caring Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice Foundation, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jax, FL 32257. One last word that sums up Dad, Big Lou, PawPaw, and Papa Lou…..F.A.M.I.L.Y.