OBITUARY
Gary Paul Aldridge
September 11, 1948 – October 19, 2010
Mr. Gary Aldridge, beloved husband and father, passed away October 19, 2010. Mr. Aldridge was born on September 11, 1948 in Gainesville, TX, but resided in Florida most of his life. He was employed by Pratt-Whitney Aircraft and later by General Electric. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Melody Aldridge, five daughters and one step-son: Ms. Autumn Aldridge, Mrs. Lori Greer, Mrs. Christi Hamrogue, Mrs. Traci Wachs, Mrs. Carri Beauprez and Mr. Justin Blankenship. Services will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at Aycock Funeral Home 1112 N. Military Trail Jupiter, FL at 2 pm. The arrangement were entrusted to Howard-Price Funeral Home.
Services
- Visitation Saturday, October 23, 2010
REMEMBERING
Gary Paul Aldridge
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RECEIVE UPDATESGrant Wood
July 22, 2011
Gary, it has taken a long time for me to write this as I guess i didnt want to want to face the reality. You are truly missed. You were truly an inspiration for me and mentored me from the beginning. When i first came to Florida you were like a father to me and guided me through both professional and personal issues. You were a class act no matter what the situation and many aspired to be like you, but there was only one you..and that was one of the most kindest, professional, caring persons i have ever known. Ill never forget the road trips where we worked hard, laughed and learned so much...Melody and family of Gary's im terribly sorry for your loss...
Lori Aldridge-Greer
November 26, 2010
Dad,
It has taken awhile for me to write in this guest book, everytime I start to I begin to cry again. You were the kindest person I have ever known and I cannot imagine ever meeting anyone as special as you Dad. I have so many memories of you teaching me to drive when I was 8 yrs old, poking me in my side w/your elbow or you tickling us til we cried. I can hear your contagious laugh now, boy I miss that laugh. It was so special seeing you in September and meeting Autumn, times I will never forget.(She is one special lady)I always loved this time of year as a family because you didn't travel as much and you were home more. You taught me so many things through the years and I was still learning things from you when the Lord took you home. Thank you for helping me through some real tough times. I sure do miss you and will forever hold all of the memories in my heart. I love you, Daddy
Elaine Aldridge-Head
November 18, 2010
Gary Paul Aldridge was my youngest and my favorite brother. Growing up, he was the very best brother a girl could have...so compassionate, loving, wise and kind. My brothers were my only playmates growing up and I love them deeply and dearly for eternity. One day, I will get to be reunited with Gary, our Mom, our Dad, and our grandparents and uncles who have gone before us. What a day of rejoicing that will be!!
I was so honored to be able to stay with him in the hospital after his surgery. It was a very difficult time for him...I believe I was an encourgement and help to him at that time. But, I was really the blessed one to have spent those days with him there in the hospital. As soon as he was released he, Melody and I arrived at their home, he "took charge." sooo characteristic of my brother! He had wisdom beyong his years. A leader from his youth.
Then, a few weeks before he graduated to his eternal life, I was so blessed to have visited Gary, Melody, Autumn and Toby at their home. He was joking even in his suffering! He surely will receive a crown and rewards for "Greatness" as he was a great man. Melody a very special lady whom I love! And Autumn, a beautiful teenager with much wisdom!
I was soo grieved that I was unable to attend your funeral service, Gary. Yet, my love for you is forever in my being! There is no one like Gary Paul Aldridge! My hero...my brother! He taught me how to live, and how to suffer and even die.
Times spent talking to him on the phone are conversations I will hold dear to my heart. Especially all through these trials which are now over for him. His texts will be missed, too!
When we were growing up, our family took many, many, many trips in our automobile. We lived in Germany for three years, and kept up our family tradition of weekend car trips. Gary and I seemed to always get the floorboard for our "resting place." Maybe that is one reason we were so close!
As a young man, Gary developed excellence in his work ethics. He loved working with his hands more than anyone I have ever known. He would always unload the groceries for our Mother and then carefully place each and every can on the pantry shelft facing out, with the labels all in an orderly way. That was my brother! His fingerprint is still plainly seen everywhere he hs been.
Once, as a teenager, he and our oldest brother, Earl, build "bucket seats" before there were bucket seats. Gary made the leather covers, even sewing them together. He should have patented those seats for sure!
I don't know of a husband or father who loved and cared for his family more than Gary. His family was always the focus and center of his life!
The shock of losing him is almost unbelievable. Every morning, I think of him with his wonderful daughters, their baby years...each and every one of them is special having fought their battles with grace! His precious wife, Melody,is daily on my heart and in my thoughts. I always so enjoyed visiting with her! His precious family members are most fortunate to have had him as father and husband! Certainly, I was the most fortunate and blessed sister to have had him as a brother for these years. I remember one time, in the '90's, I was so blessed when he came to see me in California and we got to spent an entire evening together having fun, eating, walking, and talking until the wee hours. One of my most wonderful adult memories!
His family is very special...like him!
Gary, you will be terribly missed and truly we ache for you! You have rested from your labors...we all have labors ahead. Pray for us to finish the course in a way that makes all on the other side proud of the way we finish...champions...like you! I love you dearly...and the tears still flow daily. I, too, have questions, unanswered regarding the suffering you went through. But you made it! My hero!
Love from your sister forever,
Elaine
Debbie Aldridge
November 8, 2010
A smile immediately appears on my face when I think of all the fun you and your brother had growing up together. I so enjoy hearing my husband share the stories of what it was like "driving a race car" without moving an inch, killing all the bad guys without hurting a "fly", and building and creating anything your minds could imagine from whatever happened to be lying around. The time you two spent together in May of this year will be remembered as one of the ultimate reunions that brought all of what makes you and Don kindred spirits to come to a full circle in this life time. I sincerely regret that I did not have the opportunity to share more time with you, Gary....but this I know for certain: You were a ray of sunshine to all who knew of your love, your wit and wisdom came with such simplistic ease and most importantly your love for Jesus was apparent to all who spent only a short time with you. I will always remember the look of love and pride I noticed everytime one of your four oldest daughters' eyes met yours the week-end of Mom Aldridge's funeral in Gainesville TX. Never have I seen admiration and adoration with such deep sincerity. You are walking with Jesus now and I can only imagine the comments you are hearing within the context,"well done my son,well done!!"
Christi Hamrogue
November 3, 2010
I didn’t realise until now just how much I am reminded of you in my everyday life. We have lived in different countries for so long now that it is hard to imagine this could be so. I awake every morning in the bed that you helped us put together when we bought our first home. I see your smiling eyes & that Aldridge chin in my children every morning over breakfast. As I watch the morning news I hear mention of many far & distant countries that we travelled to together. On my way to work I pass all the London sites that you showed me as a 13 year old. When I get to work I see an old fax machine & ancient Telex that reminds me of the Saturday mornings we used to spend in your office with me playing your secretary & the excitement in your voice as you explained to me about how the “new” fax technology worked. On my journey home was when I’d text/call/e-mail you to say “Hi” or tell you of my woes & you always replied with your usual ”Hi baby!”& sound advice. When I get home my children rush to me with hugs just as we used to do when you arrived home. Over dinner we chat about our day & I try my best to provide the encouraging words & balanced views as you always did for me. Trips out with the kids are always started with a hand-in-hand skips as you I did (just a few weeks ago). The children are put to bed with warm hugs & the customary “I love you!” that as children they will just never know how much until they become parents of their own. I then return to the bed that you helped us put together.
You have left a legacy that will be felt for many generations to come & I can only pray that I will be an nth of the parent that you were to me. I miss you more than words can express but I am comforted by the many years & special moments we shared.
I am so proud to say I am Gary Aldridge’s daughter & that I indeed had the best Dad ever.
I love you,
Christi
Autumn Aldridge
November 3, 2010
Dad, there wont be a day that goes bye that I won't think of you and miss you.I will mostly miss your bright smile,your positive attitude,doing algebra homework with you,and our talks. You will never be forgotten. Even though I only had you for fourteen years,they were the best years of my life. I learned so much from you. I will never forget all the projects that we did on the house and saying to you " Daddy can I help?" I will miss that more than anything. Not only will your family miss you, but so will your co-workers and friends at work. You were truly loved, well-liked,and respected at GE.I know that your in a better place now with God. Don't ever forget...we love you with all of our hearts and we will see you soon. I love you Daddy.
libby groved
October 31, 2010
Mr. Aldrich was so nice and I know a great fatherto his girls, I heard rocket man today and cried. I'm so so sorry for yall's loss
Michael Wachs
October 30, 2010
Gary, I was just getting to know you but came to love you for the kind, sweet man that you are. You have made the world a better place with your five beautiful girls, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I know that you would want them to continue on, to smile again and honor you with their lives. I will do whatever I can to help them do that. You are in are hearts and we love and miss you.
Michael
traci Aldridge-Wachs
October 30, 2010
Dad, My "Rocketman", not a day goes by that I don't miss your beautiful face, and bright smile! I feel so very blessed to call myself your daughter. You have taught me, patience, loyalty, hard work, but most importantly, Love. I miss sitting on your lap, with your arms wrapped tightly around me, I miss that feeling of safeness, and love you gave me. I will miss you everyday, but I will smile, when I think about you, and all the wonderful memories I have of you. I love you , always....My "Rocketman!"
-Traci Aldridge Wachs, Golden, Colorado
Traci Aldridge-Wachs
October 30, 2010
My "Rocketman", Dad, I miss you and think of you everyday! I'm so grateful to have been blessed to have had the best dad in the world. Thank you for teaching me respect, integrity, but most of thanks for teaching me love, and showing me love every single day. I love and miss you so very much. It is still so painful to think that I can't pick up the phone , and hear you say, "Hi Baby", like only you can, I know one day it will get easier, but you will NEVER be forgotten. The day will come , when I will smile, because I know you would have wanted me to go on with my life, and my husband and have a full, happy life. There are just so many things I miss about you, and will continue to miss. I will miss our talks, when I ask for your advice ( which, by the way, is ALWAYS right) I will miss the way you call me "baby", and I will miss sitting on your lap, feeling your warmth and loving arms around me. I love you, MY "Rocketman", and I always will. Thank you for all you have taught me, but most of all, thank you for loving me so much. I love you, and miss you everyday! I love you, daddy.
- Traci Wachs, Golden, Colorado
P.S., Anybody can be a Father, it takes a special man to be a "daddy!" Thanks for being my "daddy", I love you
Carri Aldridge-Beauprez
October 29, 2010
Dad, not a day has gone by that I have not thougth of you or missed you dearly. I speak to you often, and am thankful that you taught me to believe, bc of that I still have connection to you through the Lord. You were the best father, and from what I can tell the best being to everyone around you also. I was so blessed to have been raised but such a great person, who taught me more than just spirituality, but about love, patience, loyalty, hard work and perseverance. I could go on for pages and pages about what you taught me. It is now my job to pass those qualities and lessons onto my own son, and those around me.
I love and miss you so much that it still hurts, but I know in time that will pass and one day I will be able to smile again thinking about what a great life you provided to me.
I know there are a great deal of people still grieving your loss, and I will continue to pray for everyone that is feeling the way I am feeling. That one day it will not hurt as much.
Love you Dad!!
Miss hearing your infectious laugh and wise words of encouragement.
October 28, 2010
Being Gary's brother and having known him his entire life, cause me to say that Gary was one of the finest men I have ever known. Having observed the way he loved and raised his children makes me know that he was the model father for all to observe. His children love, respect and speak very highly of him. His brothers and sister say he was the best brother a man could have. Anyone that knew him well would say that he was a great man. He truly lived a life of love, excellence, integrity and diligence.
Losing him was one of the more difficult things I've endured. I miss him dearly, love him greatly, and long to see him again.
Gary, thank you for the life you lived, for the love you showed and the example you set. Your life caused me to be a better person. Words can’t express the pain of your absence, nor the void left behind. I miss you! With God’s help, I’ll continue victoriously. However, life will not be the same as it was while you were here.
Love,
Don Aldridge
Fountain Hills, AZ
Amy Aldridge Raper
October 26, 2010
So sorry to hear about my second cousin Gary. I remember him and his family watching me when my parents were both sick...Sending lots of prayers and love to his family.
George & Debbie Aldridge
October 25, 2010
We will miss our cousin Gary.He would always go out of his way to help in anyway he could. We were deeply saddened to hear of his passing. God Bless his wife and children. George & Debbie Aldridge
Linda McMinn
October 25, 2010
I am very saddened at the passing of my very favorite cousin, Gary. I haven't seen him since my oldest son was a baby, but I've missed him all these years. Growing up, he was so fun to be around. He taught me to play card games and pool. I have so many fond memroies through our school years. I miss him and always will. I'm glad he is not suffering or in any pain now. My thoughts and prayers are with his family that I know and the ones I've never met. I love you, Gary, always.
Your cousin, Linda
Carri Beauprez
October 25, 2010
October 25, 2010
Dear Melody, On behalf of everyone at Rolls Wood Group, could we please offer our sincere condolences. Gary was a much respected friend and colleague. He was a gentleman in every sense. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this very sad time. Keith Brady ( MD RWG )
October 23, 2010
Gary will be sadly missed, and he was a true gentlemen and professional that I have had the pleasure working with since Availl days in Dallas 30+ years. Please keep my Dad company as he also knew Gary. God Bless Steve Johnson
October 22, 2010
Ms Aldridge, I was deeply saddened when I heard of Gary's passing. He was a true professional and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Don Piercy GE Syracuse
October 22, 2010
Gary was my best friend ever, whom we
shared many work days and fun evenings
with in the 70's and 80's. Though
we didnt see much of each other over the past years, we were always in touch. Melody, I know words cannot fill the emptiness of his passing, but
we still have the strength he gave us. Love, Nina & Paul Nelson
Dana Dunn
October 22, 2010
When I was about 10 yrs old is when I first really bonded with my uncle Gary, I remember going to stay at his house for the summer & truly for the first time in my life feeling loved and accepted by a father figure! So many amazing memories, riding in the Porche at high rates of speed, crochett in the backyard, an unforgettable trip to Hong Kong & him talking me into eating lobster for the first time!!! I will never forget all the great memories & the legacy that will carry on! He impacted my life in so many positive ways I will always hold u close in my heart Uncle Gary!!!!
Also, to all of Uncle Gary's loved ones, you are in my heart and prayers! I love you!!
October 22, 2010
Ms Aldridge i'm so sorry for your lose. I had met Gary many years ago and he became a good friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Frank Moody MS Power CO.
October 22, 2010
Gary was a true professional and gentlemen, he will be sadly missed by his friends and co-workers at GE. (M. Eisert, Cincinnati, OH)
October 22, 2010
Gary wlll be missed by old and new friends alike. He was a great neighbor when we lived in Bedford , Tx. Our oldest son really looked up to Gary and loved to talk to him--especially about mathimatical things. Now they can talk all they want up in heaven. We can not be with all of you physically but we are there in spirit. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. We love each of you like you were our own famly. Love and prayers to all. Roberta and Dick Maughan
P. Nemec
October 21, 2010
Mr. Aldridge was a very good person, and will be missed by many. May God send comfort to his family during this time.
FROM THE FAMILY
IN THE CARE OF