Plankowner
Posts: 5024
Location: Gulfport, MS | Subject: Obit Messenger results for 12/15/08.
- (Athens Banner-Herald)
ETHRIDGE, John Cabell, 83, died Saturday, December 13, 2008. He was born March 16, 1925, the oldest of three sons of Henry E. and Hannah Brown Ethridge and step-son of Louise Forbes Ethridge, A graduate of Hartwell High School, he attended North Georgia College prior to entering the US Navy and serving as a submariner for three years during World War II. John was an honor graduate of the University of Georgia business school and received his legal education at Emory University. He married Thelma "Ted" Dillard in 1948, and they had three children: John Jr. (Cindy), Kathryn Louise (Joe Jossey), and Glenn Leland (Cathy). He was the grandfather of Jessica, Kathryn, Lee and Andrew Ethridge and Brian, Laurie and Scott Jossey. John is also survived by his brothers, H. Eugene (Barbara) and James E. Ethridge. His extended family includes Gregory McFarling and family, Bob Schell and family, and Aaron Biddle. After working in Atlanta with the IRS for seven years, John established an accounting practice in Elberton and later opened a branch office in Hartwell. The firm celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2005. In addition to his accounting practice, John and his wife, Ted, were partners in a legal practice. John served on the Board of Trustees and was past president of the Georgia Society of CPAs. In 1968 he was recognized by the UGA chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma student honor society for his interest in and support of students aspiring to become CPAs. Professional activities in the legal field included membership in the Elberton Bar Association, the Northern Judicial Circuit Bar, Georgia Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. John attributed his professional success to the support and encouragement of the community and tried to show his appreciation through his personal and financial support of myriad civic endeavors. He was a past president of the Chamber of Commerce, a member and past president of the Elberton Rotary Club, a Will Watt Fellow, and a multiple Paul Harris Fellow. In 2006 he was named a Hugh Thomas Jr. Fellow in recognition of his years of generosity to the Georgia Student Rotary Fund. John served as a member of the Elbert Memorial Hospital Authority for 17 years, serving three terms as chairman. He was a former director of Pinnacle Bank, formerly known as First National Bank of Elberton. He was a faithful supporter and served on the board of the Salvation Army, was an enthusiastic supporter of the Elbert Theater and gave generously of his time and professional services to many non-profit groups in the community. As a parent, he was actively involved in the education of his children in many ways, including serving as a PTA President. A deep interest in Boy Scouts of America began with his own sons, both of whom became Eagle Scouts and continued as three of his grandsons attained that goal and the fourth is pursuing it. He supported the local troop, was a past president of the Broad River District and a member of the Northeast Georgia Council of BSA. As a loyal member of Elberton First United Methodist Church since 1955, John served as a Sunday School teacher, held numerous leadership positions including Chairman of the Administrative Board, Chairman of the Building Committee, and trustee for the Athens Elberton District. In addition to his own church, he supported many smaller churches with more limited resources. In all things John was a man of integrity who adhered to his principles with no regard for adverse social or financial repercussions. He was a loyal friend who had a genuine concern for others. John helped many people in many ways, but he never vaunted his good deeds. To him, giving brought its own rewards, and he was no less generous during the years he was struggling to build a practice than during the more prosperous times. He truly believed God would take care of him, and he was never disappointed. John enjoyed traveling and listening to music of every genre from country to opera, but time spent with his family was the highlight of his retirement years. As the family grew, he made additions to the lake house to keep everyone coming. The doors were always open, and he was never happier than when surrounded by family and friends. A memorial service will be Monday, December 15, at 4 p.m. at Elberton First United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends after the memorial service at the Church. The family requests that flowers be omitted. Contributions may be made to the John C. Ethridge memorial fund at Elberton First United Methodist Church, PO Box 398, Elberton, GA 30635.
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Obit Messenger results for 12/15/08.
