Ed Etheridge

James Edward (Ed) Etheridge died on November 4, 2023, at his home in Wilson with his family and prized saxophone by his side.

He was the son of the late Dr. James Earl Etheridge and Minnie Dees Etheridge.  Ed spent his early childhood in Fremont, NC before his family relocated to Wilson while he was in the fourth grade.

Ed’s love of music developed during his school years.  Ed was a graduate of Fike High School, where he was active in the marching band and served as drum major.  During his teen years, “Wardo”, as Ed was known to friends, enjoyed playing his beloved saxophone with bands at local Teen Clubs.  From the early groups, “Wardo” became an original member of The Sardams which showcased his true passion for horns, dancing, and most importantly Beach Music.  The Sardams provided a lifetime of memories performing at coastal shag clubs, parties, and countless reunions and festivals throughout the region.

In 1970, Ed earned his Bachelor’s degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  His love for Chapel Hill continued throughout his lifetime and he never missed an opportunity to cheer on his beloved Tar Heels at a ball game.

Upon graduation from UNC-Chapel Hill, he began a career in real estate by founding Etheridge Associates which serves Wilson, Raleigh and Eastern North Carolina.  Ed was a talented real estate developer and possessed a keen eye for property and an innovative spirit that allowed him to leave his mark on the landscape of the communities he touched.

Ed inherited from his parents a passion for travel that paved the way for many fun trips with family and friends throughout his lifetime.  He was infamously known by family for notoriously long car rides that created impromptu road trips, much to the chagrin of his passengers at times.  When not burning up the roads of Eastern NC or to Genny’s cherished Scotland Neck, he enjoyed relaxing along Bogue Sound creating lasting family memories in his beloved Morehead City.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Geneva “Genny” Quinn Hale Etheridge; daughter, Margaret Quinn Etheridge and fiancé, James Matthew Barfield of Raleigh; son, James Edward Etheridge, Jr. and wife, Colleen Fitzgerald Etheridge of Wilson and adored grandson, James “Hale” Etheridge; brother, William Isaac Etheridge and wife, Cathy, of Raleigh, brother-in-law, Charles Herbert Hale, Jr. and wife, Mary Duane (Ed’s favorite chef) of Morehead City.  He is also survived by cousins, nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.

The family is very thankful for the love from Amparo Hernandez, Hope Taylor, and especially Hospice of Wilson.

The family will receive friends at home on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.  A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, November 8 at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 202 Goldsboro St, E, Wilson.

Memorials may be made to St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, PO Box 1527, Wilson, NC 27894 or to Hospice of Wilson, 1901 Tarboro St, Ste 301, Wilson, NC 27893.