Garland Ray Eldridge, Sr.

Garland Ray Eldridge, Sr., 74, Monrovia, passed away unexpectedly on March 2, 2024, while visiting family in Massachusetts.  Mr. Eldridge was born December 11, 1949, in Blackey, Kentucky, to the late Homer and Juanita (Tolson) Eldridge.  He married Valerie (Wright) in 1970 and from their union had four children.  
 
 He graduated from Wood High School in Indianapolis in 1968 and served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.   Ray worked for the Monrovia Telephone Company before becoming employed with Orkin, later retiring from Acurid, Orkin’s commercial division as a branch manager after many years of employment.  

Ray was a referee for the Monrovia basketball league when his children were involved in sports.   He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, and camping, His favorite hobby always revolved around his grandchildren; family was at the center of Ray’s life always.  He was a member of the Monrovia Christian Church.  Ray will be remembered for his selflessness, his devotion to his family, and his great sense of humor.  
 
 In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Denny Eldridge, James Eldridge, Donna Fields, and Barbara Summers. 
 
 Survivors include his former wife and good friend, Valerie Eldridge; children, Ray (Julie) Eldridge, Mindy (Tom) Blandford, Jenny (Bryan) Kugelman, and Brandon (Mariya) Eldridge; brother, Mark Eldridge; grandchildren, Hunter, Parker, Wesley, Ava, Isaac, Eli, Max, Macie, Katie, Megan, Bryan, Kylan, Emelia, and Alex; two great-grandchildren, Oakley and Everlee.  
 
Friends and family will gather for Ray’s Life Celebration® Visitation on Friday, March 8, 2024, 5 to 8 p.m., at the Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville. The graveside service will begin at 11a.m., Saturday, March 9, 2024, in the White Lick Cemetery, Mooresville. Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.