Major Gordon Randolph Etheridge

Roanoke Rapids

Major Gordon R. Etheridge passed away Monday, December 14, 2015, at the age of 88 at Hampton Manor in Gaston, NC.

A native of Roanoke Rapids, Major Etheridge eagerly joined the US Army shortly after high school and served as an Engineer in the Korean War. While in Korea he displayed outstanding leadership ability and was quickly promoted to the rank of Master Sergeant in a mere 16 months time. After serving for 4 years, Major Etheridge returned home to North Carolina. He then decided to continue his service by joining the Army Reserves for a brief time before finding his true calling in the Army National Guard as an Infantry Officer. He honorably served in the Army National Guard for nearly 30 years before retiring at the rank of Major. He also retired from Champion International during this time. A true patriot, Gordon devoted his life to the service of our country even after retirement by volunteering, visiting and mentoring soldiers at the Armory. Major Etheridge was a brave and loyal soldier, as well as a thoughtful, and loving husband, grandfather, and step-father. His generosity and helpfulness to others was second to none. In addition to his parents, Major Etheridge was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Brittany Smith and aunt, Nannie Lou Revelle.

Surviving Major Etheridge are his wife: Effie Babb Etheridge of Roanoke Rapids; step-children: Marie Babb Light and husband Jerry Light of Roanoke Rapids, Alton Louis Babb and wife, Nancy of Halifax, and Jeannie Babb Smith and husband Kevin Smith of Roanoke Rapids; Grandchildren: Jarrod Light, Stephanie Light Burkee, and Ashley Smith, all of Roanoke Rapids. Also surviving are his cousins, Albert Etheridge and Jane Brown.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at the National Guard Armory located at 813 East 14th Street in Roanoke Rapids Monday December 21, 2015 from 12:00p.m.-1:30p.m. A Funeral Service will immediately follow and be held at 2:00p.m at the same location. Interment will follow at Crestview Memorial Cemetery..