Charles William Ethridge Sr.

Charles W. Ethridge Sr., 95, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 5, 2023. A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Elam Baptist Church, Gray GA with the Rev. Adam Bray and Rev. Gary Thomas officiating. Burial will be at James Cemetery, James GA. The family will greet the friends from 10:00 a.m. to service time at the church. Flowers are accepted or donations to Elam Baptist Church, 203 Elam Church Road, Gray GA 31032, Pruitt Hospice, 6060 Lakeside Commons Drive, Macon GA 31210 or Christian’s Touch, 6196 New Forsyth Road, Macon GA 31210.

Charles grew up in the small town of James among his family, cousins and friends. This is where he also met the love of his life Carolyn, his wife of sixty years. He joined the Navy when he was 18 and was assigned to be one of the crewmembers to sail the maiden voyage of the SS Midway and throughout his term in the Navy. The Midway is now docked in San Diego as a Naval Museum. After the Navy, he served in the Naval Reserves for several years.

He was always busy with work and going to club meetings. Among them was the Masons of which he was member for over 50 years. He was Chairman of the Board at Jonesco Academy for several years. He enjoyed spending time with his family. We always vacationed at Daytona Beach in the summers and went camping all around the Southeast at other times. He loved Williamsburg, VA and built some replicas of the houses there. He collected vintage cars that were frequently in local parades.

He and his brother Sanford founded Ethridge Brothers Construction Company in 1954. His creative genius in crafting some of Middle Georgia’s most incredible houses and other structures were some of his greatest accomplishments. Architectural Digest and local publications featured some of his work. During his career, he was twice president of the Homebuilders Association of Macon.

Charles was a devoted Christian serving as Deacon and choir member of Elam Baptist Church in Gray. He attended Elam his entire life and became a member at age 12. When Elam burned due to arson, he had the honor to serve as contractor in the rebuilding of his and the members church home.

He was a generously giving and humble man that will be missed by all who knew him. A special thank you to Pruitt Hospice Staff and Home Instead for their excellent care.

He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty years, Carolyn Vincent Ethridge and grandson, Jared Ware. He is survived by his children, Cheryl Ware (Tommy Duke) of Hawkinsville, son, Charles “Billy” Ethridge of Gray, grandchildren, Lauren (Sean) Brooks, Maris (Brandon) Crooms, and great grandchildren.

Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express condolences.

Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Bass Road has charge of the arrangements.