William Eldridge

William David Eldridge, age 75, died on October 9, 2021, after a courageous battle against prostate cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Clara; his former wife, Jane, and his son, David. He was a graduate of Butler High School of Augusta, GA, and received a degree in Ceramic Engineering from Georgia Tech in Atlanta.

Bill is survived by his wife Charleen; his sister, Peggy Kemp (Mrs. Don) of Marietta, GA; his daughter from his first marriage, Shannon Yaskiewicz (Mrs. James); and grandchildren, Cainan, Ashlyn, and Skylyn Yaskiewicz of Sky Valley, GA.

After graduation Bill and Jane lived in Cleveland, Ohio where he worked for Powers Heating and Cooling. He went into the sales and distributorship business for himself and moved to Marietta, Georgia in 1975, and in 1995 to Highlands, NC where he was a member of Cullasaja Club and an avid golfer. His charismatic nature afforded him friends among all social walks in Highlands. He loved musical theater and was an enthusiastic fan of bluegrass music. Daughter Shannon remembers fondly the many years that he supported her love of horses, proudly rooting for her and filming her in Dressage and Hunter-Jumper competitions.

Bill spent the last thirteen years of his life with Charleen in the Vistas of Westfield community in Candler, NC. He was known for his excellent cooking skills and for hosting events such as the yearly pig roast and low country boil for the community. His expertise in bourbons will also be missed… as will his infectious laugh and “never-met-a-stranger” personality.