Richard Arlen Eldridge, Sr. MOUNT HOLLY - Richard Arlen Eldridge, Sr., 83, passed away April 5, 2013, at the Robin Johnson Hospice House, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Kings Mountain, NC, the son of the late James Edley and Mozelle Mullinax Eldridge. Rick was a loving, devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a long time member of First Baptist Church in Mt Holly where he held numerous offices. He retired from American Hoechst Corporation, working previously as a Real Estate Broker, Electrician, Fireman, Insurance Manager and a self employed business owner. He was a graduate of Belmont High School and Carolina Business College. He served on the Mt Holly City Council for eight years, Volunteered with the American Red Cross for 30 years, serving as a trainer, CPR instructor and Disaster Relief Leader. He volunteered with the Optimist Club, Guardian Ad Litum, Lions Club, Stowe Botanical Gardens, was a Mentor and tutor at Pinewood Elementary School and a founding member of the Mt Holly Life Saving Crew. He helped to establish the CRO program in Mt Holly, helping to serve those in need. Mr. Eldridge was preceded in death by his parents James Edley Eldridge and Mozelle Mullinax Eldridge and a brother and sister-in-law, Hubert and Viola Eldridge. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Sue Howard Eldridge; three sons, Rick Eldridge Jr. and wife Krista of Charlotte, Tim Eldridge and wife Judy of Mt. Holly, Kevin Eldridge and wife Amanda of Gastonia; Grandchildren Kasey and husband Ryan, Ryan, Randall and wife Stephanie, Roland and wife Lilia, Rodney and wife Amber, Kara, Amy, Mac and Macey: Great Grandchildren Blake, Hunter, Bradley and Leighton.; three brothers, Ed Eldridge and wife Peggy of Belmont, Larry Eldridge and wife Beth of Gastonia, Mickey Eldridge of Belmont; numerous nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Eldridge will be held at 4:00 p.m. Monday at First Baptist Church in Mt. Holly with Rev Kendell Cameron and Dr Bob Winecoff officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00-4:00 p.m., prior to the service at the church. The burial will be private. Memorials to First Baptist Church, 300 S. Main Street, Mt Holly, NC 28120, and Robin Johnson House, 5005 Shepherd's Way Drive, Dallas, NC 28034. Woodlawn Funeral Home of Mt Holly is in charge of arrangements.