Robert Earl “Buddy” Etheridge, 74, went home to be with the Lord on January 30, 2021. He was born on September 18, 1946 to the late Earl and Ann Etheridge in Greenville, MS. Buddy was baptized August 25th, 1957 at 11 years old at First Christian Church in Greenville, Ms. He was a Boy Scout, earned Eagle Scout Rank and was a member of the Order of the Arrow. He was generous to a fault, he tried to do something for everyone. Buddy always had a smile on his face and a wonderful attitude. He was a great story teller. Always fun loving, cheerful and friendly, he never met a stranger. He had a great love and respect for the outdoors as he was an avid hunter and fisherman. Buddy was a proud Vietnam Veteran of the US Army from 1967-1969 where he retired as SGT/SP5. He was a member of the A Btry 5th BN 16th Arty 4th Inf Div. He spoke often about his many years working with the US Army Corps of Engineers, where he assisted after many natural disasters including hurricanes, floods and tornados. Buddy also worked for the City of Horn Lake and retired from Memphis Light Gas and Water. Buddy was the master of old Indian tricks, founder of canamping trips and coach extraordinaire. He was a major presence in youth sports in Desoto County, MS where he coached baseball (301 Blues and 301 Dawgs)and softball (Southaven Bears and Showboats). Buddy was predeceased by his precious daughter Tanya Shay. His beloved grandparents Henry Otis and Gladys Watson, his parents Winston and Ann Etheridge and grandparents William and Lillie Etheridge. His family meant the world to him. Buddy leaves behind his wife, Rita M. Etheridge; children, Meredith Etheridge, Scott Etheridge (Amanda), Casey Etheridge. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Hunter, Jayleigh, Lily, Cooper, and also his dogs, Bonnie and Clyde. A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 5, 2021 at 2:00 pm with visitation beginning at 1:00 pm at Brantley Funeral Home, 6875 Cockrum St. Olive Branch, MS 38654. A livestream of the funeral service will be viewable on Brantley Funeral Home’s Facebook page. In lieu of flowers the family request you consider donations to either Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Le Bonheur or St Jude.
