Charles Etheridge

Charles Allen Etheridge, 80, of Wilson, went to be with the Lord on Monday, July 8, 2019.

On Thursday, July 11th, there will be visitation at 1:00 followed by a 2:00 Celebration of Life at Wilson Memorial Service.  Interment with full military honors will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Patsy Creech Etheridge of Wilson; daughter, Sharon E. Finch and son-in-law, Cooper, of North Myrtle Beach, SC; son, Jeffrey Allen Etheridge of Wilson. He was an adoring Pa to his grandchildren: Cody (Cassie) Spencer of Dover AFB, Dover, Delaware, Layla Spencer of Wilson, Troy (Chelsea) Cashion of Wilson, Trent (Dara) Cashion of Greenville, Brandon Etheridge of Wilson and Madison Etheridge of Wilson and loving grandfather to four great-grandchildren.   Also surviving are sister, Brenda Boykin of Myrtle Beach, SC; brother, Kenneth “Squirmy” Etheridge and sister-in-law, Vicki, of Wilson.

Mr. Etheridge was preceded in death by his parents Alvis Etheridge and Beulah Etheridge Eatmon, brother, Tyrus Etheridge, daughter, Beverly E. Spencer and son-in-law, Kent Williams Spencer Jr.

Mr. Etheridge who graduated from Gardner’s High School in Wilson, in June 1957 joined the United States Air Force and became an Aircraft Loadmaster. The USAF reared, nurtured and gave him many of the most satisfying years of his life. He worked his way up to an E-8 Senior Master Sergeant before retiring in October 1978. He retired after 21 years of service with an additional 10 years serving with the USAF Reserve. During his time in the Air Force, he and his family called many locations home including Hickam AFB in Hawaii, McGuire AFB in New Jersey, Charleston AFB in Charleston, SC, Dover AFB in Dover, Delaware and finally Seymour Johnson AFB in Goldsboro.

After his military career, he was employed with the United States Postal Service in Rocky Mount for 30 years, retiring in 2008.

Allen was a member of Peace Church and served in several capacities over the years. He was a man of strong faith, believing in the power and strength of Jesus Christ’s love and the beauty and peace that would await him after his passing.

He was an avid sports fan with the Carolina Tarheels and the New York Yankees being two of his favorite teams. A favorite pastime was enjoying the local Wilson Tobs play. He and his wife also enjoyed listening to beach music and attending local concerts in the area. The coast was their happy place for many years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project, 1990 Fordham Dr Suite 100, Fayetteville, NC 28304 to or Peace Church, 2838 Tilghman Rd N, Wilson, NC 27896.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the staff at UNC Hospitals’ Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.