Mr. Arthur "Art" Ralph Ethridge's Obituary
Arthur “Art” Ethridge, age 80 of Goodlettsville, passed away on November 17, 2015. Art was born in Macon County, Tennessee on February 19, 1935, to the late Heddy and Carrie Ethridge.
Although Art was a very serious man, his family can’t tell a story about him without a good amount of laughter. He came from a large family with six other siblings, and there was over 20 years difference in age between the oldest and youngest sibling !
Art served in the United States Army as a photograph interpreter. He flew in the Lockheed U2 plane and the military used his work to create maps. Eventually, he documented the lives of Roy Orbison, Herman’s Hermits, and the Waddell Family in pictures. He was an accomplished guitar player, too, and he loved good country music. His family recalls his many stories about sneaking into the Grand Ole Opry and gaining admission as a seat filler. Art was a great storyteller. “He was a hell of a man,” remembers his son, Shayne.
Art retired from the US Postal Service where he was a Supervisor.
Art had a wealth of knowledge about many subjects. If the saying “there’s a fine line between a genius and a madman” is true, then Art was proof of that. He was very interested in history, especially Greek and Roman history, and could name off dates of historic events with ease. There seemed to be no end to all the things he knew.
In addition to his parents, Art was preceded in death by his step-son, Kenny, as well as five of his siblings.
Art is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Patsy “Nana Boots” Ethridge; sons, Arthur Ethridge, Jr., Eric (Casey) Ethridge, and Shayne Ethridge; brother, Roy (Louise) Ethridge; grandchildren, Autumn (Neal) Huff, Daniele (Earl) Green, and Kara Ethridge; great-grandchildren, Aria, Nicolas, Nataliegh, Anthony, and Zayden; as well as many, many nieces and nephews, and many friends, all of whom he loved dearly.
Art’s family will gather for graveside services with Military Honors on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at 10am in the Veterans II Garden of Historic Spring Hill Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Road, Nashville, Tennessee 37216. (615)865-1101 www.springhillfh.com
What’s your fondest memory of Arthur "Art"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Arthur "Art"?
Share a story where Arthur "Art"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Arthur "Art" you’ll never forget.
How did Arthur "Art" make you smile?
