BLACKSHEAR– James Wendell “Winky” Aldridge, Jr., 66 of Blackshear, passed away early Monday morning, September 16, 2024 at his residence after a long courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Waycross, Aldridge’s parents were James Wendell Aldridge, Sr., and Maxine Corbitt Aldridge. He is preceded in death by his brother, Rodney Dale Aldridge; a brother-in-law, Tom Sweat; and his father-inlaw, Judge M.C. Pritchard.
Aldridge was a retired stenciler and painter with
Aldridge
GATX and a member of the Ware County Jaycee’s from 1978 to 1981. He was a jack of all trades who could fix and build about anything.
Aldridge was a loving husband, father and papa who loved spending time with his family, going fishing, gardeni ng, watching Georgia Bulldogs and tending to his chickens.
Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Susan Pritchard Aldridge of Blackshear; a daughter and son-in-law, Samantha Young (Kelly) of Blackshear; son and daughterin- law, James “Chris” Aldridge (Julie) of Dixie Union; five grandchildren, Alyssa Young and Addie Young of Blackshear and Preslee Aldridge, Mason Aldridge and Landon Lloyd all of Dixie Union; his sister, Sylvia Sweat of Blackshear; brother-inlaw, Cleve Pritchard (Blanche) of Waycross; two sisters-in-law, Selina Pinckney (Jimmy) and Micaela Aldridge all of Blackshear; and also several nieces, nephews other relatives and a host of friends.
Visitation was held Tuesday evening (September 17, 2024) from 6 p.m.8 p.m., at Miles Odum Funeral Home in Waycross.
A funeral service was held this morning (Wednesday, September 18, 2024) at Grace Episcopal Church with Father Donald Holland officiating.
Pallbearers were Samantha Young, Chris Aldridge, Brian Sweat, Nathan Sweat, Billy Copeland and J.R. Westberry.
Arrangements were with Frye Funeral Home.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.fryefh.com.
