Willis "Bird" Howland Aldridge Jr.

July 19, 1934 – October 16, 2026

Willis Howland Aldridge died on October 16, 2026, on his 55th wedding anniversary, at the age of 92. "Bird" was born on July 19, 1934, in Durham, North Carolina. He is survived by his wife, Susan Fleming Aldridge. Their daughter, Susan Fleming Aldridge, preceded him in death at the age of five.

He is also survived by his children, Lee Aldridge of Wilmington, NC, and Bill Aldridge and his wife, Amy, of Wilmington, NC; two grandchildren, Morgan Thompson Asgarli and her husband, Elchin Asgarli, of New York City, and Ashlyn Aldridge Barrett and her husband, Riley Barrett, of Columbia, SC and one great-grandchild.

Bird lived his life with passion and determination, qualities that carried him through some of life's hardest trials. He was a true fighter who courageously survived both lung cancer and Stage III melanoma.

A skilled and avid golfer, Bird was known for his exceptional short game, and he continued to walk the course and carry his own bag well into his seventies.

His talent was undeniable. Once, after a round, a multiple-time Hope Valley Country Club champion remarked, "You realize Bird got it up and down 14 times today." Coming from a player of that caliber, the tribute needed no elaboration.

For many years, Bird was President of Montgomery & Aldridge, the family business. He also served as President of Hope Valley Country Club and on many of its committees. For more than 20 years, he devotedly served as Secretary and Treasurer of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.

Over a lifetime in Durham, Bird and Susan built many deep and lasting friendships, which were celebrated at a beautiful farewell gathering when they moved to Wilmington to be near family.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, Willis Howland Aldridge Sr. and Emily Dowdee Aldridge, and by his brothers, Allen Dowdee Aldridge and James Edward Aldridge.

A service will be held at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Durham on Friday, October 23, 2026 at 1:00pm. A reception will follow at Hope Valley Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401; St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 82 Kimberly Drive, Durham, NC 27707; or a charity of your choice.