Alton Ethridge

He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Milvie and Myrtle, and one brother James.

He attended the Winn Parish Elementary and High School. During these years he was an active Football player, and President of the senior class. Al was the lead saxophonist in the Winn Parish Jazz, and Touring Band. After graduating from High School he joined the United States Air Force. His tours of duty included Japan, Okinawa, Philippines, El Centro Air Naval Station, George AFB, Bergstrom AFB March AFB, Vandenberg AFB, and Stewart, AFB Tennessee where he met the love of his life. He served his country and retired after Twenty Years of service, earning the Air Force Commendation Medal. To supplement his income he worked as a mixologist.

After retirement Al attended Victor Valley Community College, and Orange

Coast Community College. He received a certificate in Water Reclamation, and the California Water Pollution License. He was employed with the City of Victorville as a Manager Trainee, and the City of Barstow as a wastewater operator. Retiring from the City of Barstow he went to work for San Bernardino County Water Reclamation Systems. Al, then, moved on to Johnson Control at Fort Irwin National Training Center . While working in the field of water reclamation, he was elected President of the California Water Pollution Association. He retired from Johnson Control in 2009.

After the last retirement Al became an avid golfer, sports enthusiast. He enjoyed fishing, and boating at various lakes with family and friends. He, also, restored his 1955 and 1956 Thunderbirds, which were entered in many auto shows that included the San Bernardino County Fair opening day cruise. Al ‘s awards consist of : Best of Show, Best Under Construction; Top Twelve, Media’s Choice, Board of Directors Pick, and San Bernardino Board of Supervisors Choice.

Al leaves to cherish his memories his long-time friend of 55 years/loving wife of 45 years (Betty). Devoted Cousin/Brother, Robert (Claudia) Batts of Dallas, TX. Nieces: Lerlean (Howard) Ammons; of Houston, TX, Shelby Graham of Nakadish LA, Charlotte Price, Sylvia Rozier; Augusta, GA; Penelope and Mechelle Smart, Cotonya (William) Malone; Cynthia (William) Vaughn; Marquinta (Larsen) Cash, Johnnita Richardson; Breanna Richardson, all of Smyrna TN; Laquinta Richardson, Murfreesboro, TN. Nephews: Horace (Janice)Walker; Hawaii; Vernon (Mary) Walker, Donnie (Kathy) Walker of Houston, TX; Jerry Walker(Beverly) of Winnfield, LA; Willie Hollingsworth( Bonnie), Winnfield, LA; Wendell Newman; Marcus (Yolanda) Richardson, Smyrna, TN; Julius (Chelsea) Mitchell, LaVergne TN; Dennis (Debra) Smart, Montrey Richardson, Nashville, TN; Quincey Richardson Murfreesboro, TN. Sisters In Law: Shirley Mitchell; Gwyn (William) Daniel; Villetta Richardson, all of Smyrna, TN; Brothers In Law: John (Mildred) Richardson, Murfreesboro, TN; Donald (Sonja) Richardson, Gallatin, TN. Thirty great nieces and nephews, and one great, great nephew. God Daughters: Betty Ashley, Victorville, CA; Tiani (Jason) Jones, Valrico, FL. Extended Family: LaMonte(Benita) Daniel, Columbus, OH; Houston (Betty) Henderson, Keith Henderson, Erika, Jeffrey and Tyreeshia Henderson; Evelyn Butler and Family, Roland (Carrie) Ashley, all of Victorville, CA. A host of relatives and friends.