William Robert Eldridge age 86 passed away August 20th at the Claiborne County Nursing Home in Tazewell, TN. He was born September 25, 1922 in Bell County, Ky the son of the late Rev. Preston Eldridge and Nancy Daniels Eldridge. He was a World War II Army Veteran. He served from 1942 until 1945. William was of the Baptist Faith. He was preceded in death by his parents, one grandson and several brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his: wife of 61 years Lillie Josephine Eldridge, five children: Linda Carolyn Silva, William Charles Eldridge, Susan Clarisse Cordner, Mary Kathryn Hodges, Kimberly Jane Desjardins, seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren and a large number of nieces and nephews. One brother and three sisters. The family is very grateful to Dr. Louis Pannocchia and the second floor staff at Claiborne County Nursing Home. William was a loving and caring husband and father.

Funeral services were at 2:00 pm at Creech Funeral Home with the Rev. Willis Daugherty. Music was by Johnny Silva. Interment was in the Yeary Cemetery with full Military Honors given by the American Legion Dewey Guy Post #14 of Middlesboro. The family will receive friends from 6-9:00 pm Sunday at Creech Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be: William C. Eldridge, Robert Eldridge, Sam Daughtery, Johnny Silva and Johnny Haun.

Creech Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements