Thomas Foster Aldridge

July 2, 1930 – June 6, 2025

Thomas Foster Aldridge, known to most simply as Foster, entered his Heavenly Home on June 6, 2025. Born in Earle, Arkansas, to Malcolm LeFont and Laverne Foster Aldridge, Foster’s early success was clear. His name remains etched in the sidewalk at Earle High School where he graduated as Valedictorian of his class.

He pursued higher education at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, earning a degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting and a minor in mathematics. During college, he joined the Naval Reserve, and upon graduation, served on active duty for twenty-two months until the end of the Korean War. His final post was with the Fleet Aviation Accounting Office, Atlantic, in Norfolk, Virginia.

It was in Norfolk, at Epworth Methodist Church, that Foster met the love of his life, Elizabeth Cruz Juarbe, a native of Puerto Rico. They were married in San Juan on September 1, 1954, and settled in Tampa, Florida where they raised their three children, Ruben, Glenda, and Ana.

Foster passed the CPA exam and became fully certified on July 30, 1957. Over the course of a successful career, he held several accounting roles, culminating in his work with the Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court where he served as Director of Accounting and eventually Chief Deputy Clerk.

A man of deep faith, Foster was a devoted member of Hyde Park United Methodist Church serving in nearly every leadership role over the course of sixty years. He embraced life fully - cherishing family beach trips, camping adventures, waterfall hikes, bike rides, golfing, dancing, puzzles, and singing hymns. His greatest joy came from spending time with his children and grandchildren, especially during trips to Lake Junaluska and Disney World.

Following their move to Lawrenceville, Georgia to be near family and after Elizabeth’s passing, Foster found love again with Margaret Bottomley. Married from November 16, 2016, until his passing, they shared a happy life together at the Garden Plaza and later at The Bridge Assisted Living in Lawrenceville. They attended Christ the Lord Lutheran Church together.

Foster Aldridge will be remembered as a true gentleman — patient, honest, and caring. His leadership, integrity, organization, warmth, and gentle humor brought light to everyone who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and kindness that will endure in the hearts of all who loved him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of sixty years, Elizabeth Cruz Aldridge; his parents; his brother, Malcolm LeFont Aldridge, Jr.; and his sister, Sara Aldridge Allman.

Foster is survived by his wife Margaret Bottomley Aldridge; children Ruben Ashley Aldridge (Carla), Glenda Jean Argo (John), and Ana Elizabeth Page (Joe); grandchildren Tyler Justin Aldridge, Jordan Thomas Aldridge, Emily Aldridge-Toole (Barrett), Rachel Elizabeth Pinter, Allyson Elizabeth McMaken (Bren), Sarah Kendall Sturdivant (Sam), Joseph Eugene Page III (Kinsey), and Jeremy Thomas Page (Laurel); and great-grandchildren Juniper Agnes Aldridge, John Michael McMaken, Alivia Joy McMaken, and Nellie Cruz Sturdivant, as well as many other nieces and nephews.

A private family burial will be held at Garrett-Hillcrest Memorial Park in Waynesville, North Carolina. A celebration of Foster’s life will take place at Lake Junaluska Amphitheater on Saturday, July 5 at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial donations to be made to Lake Junaluska: https://lakejunaluska.com/give/