Mr. Ethridge was born in Rentz, Georgia on August 24, 1927, to the late Herschel Gilbert Ethridge, and the late Laura Sutton Ethridge. He was retired from CF Industries, FL, and as a citrus grower. Mr. Ethridge was of the Baptist faith and was a longtime member of Trinity Christian Center, Lakeland.

Mr. Ethridge married Eloise Hill Ethridge of Bartow, FL, on December 21, 1944. They were married 72 years, until her death on September 1, 2017.

In addition to his wife, Eloise, Mr. Ethridge was preceded in death by sons,  Steve Ethridge and Gregg Ethridge, and a granddaughter, Stephanie Ethridge.

He is survived by sons; Larry (Kim) Ethridge of Milledgeville, GA, and Chuck (Laurie) Ethridge of Vidalia, GA; daughters, Brenda Gail Dupree of Vero Beach, FL, and Barbara Stubbs of Collins, GA; 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

Services for Mr. Ethridge will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, in the chapel of Townsend Brothers Funeral Home, Dublin, GA. Visitation will begin at 1 o'clock, followed by a memorial service at 2 o'clock, that will be conducted by his nephew, Dan Childers of Dublin and Rev. Grady Mimbs of Rentz. Mr. Ethridge will be laid to rest on January 14, 2022 at 2 o'clock in Oak Hill Cemetery, Lakeland, FL.