Ronald Gene Aldridge

Mr. Aldridge, 68, of Charlotte, died unexpectedly Thursday, August 27, 2015. A native Charlottean, he was born January 11, 1947 to the late Jesse Aldridge and Bertie Mae Morton Aldridge. Ronald graduated from Garinger High School and then Mars Hill College, summa cum laude, going on to earn a M.A. degree in history. Teaching history in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools was his career for 30 years. After a long stint at Garinger, he taught at West Charlotte High before retiring, making history come alive for his students.

Along with his passion for history, the Civil War and Robert E. Lee, he married his high school sweetheart, his best friend, Wanda H. Aldridge, to enjoy 46 years of marriage.

Growing up in Midwood Baptist Church, he remained active in local churches his entire life. He served last at Eastern Hills Baptist before being called home.

Besides his beloved wife, Wanda, he leaves behind a son, Jeffrey Aldridge and his wife, Wendy, of Jacksonville, FL; daughter, Amy Ruggiero and her husband, Vito, of Chester Springs, PA; grandchildren, Tyler Aldridge, Kassidy Aldridge, Bailey Aldridge and Jackson Ruggiero; and one brother, Phil Aldridge and his wife, Renee, of Bremerton, WA.

Visitation with the family will be Sunday, August 30, 2015, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, at Wilson Funeral & Cremation Service. Funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Monday, August 31, 2015 at Eastern Hills Baptist Church with Reverend Dr. James Weddington, officiating. Interment will follow at Sharon Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Eastern Hills Baptist Church, 4855 Albemarle Rd., Charlotte, NC, 28205 or to Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte, 1613 E. Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28207.

Arrangements by Wilson Funeral & Cremation Service, 5301 Albemarle Road, Charlotte, NC 28212 (704-568-2106). Condolences may be offered at www.wilsonfuneralservices.com.