Bernard Eldridge, 63, exited off life's highway on Saturday, September 15, 2012 after an extended illness. He was born to Lenora M. Eldridge and the late Chancer Lee Eldridge Sr. He was a 1969 graduate of Carver High School and served two years in the US Army during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged.

He was an active member of the Red Bank Baptist Church for over 25 years. He served on the Usher Board, was a member of the Men's Choir and served with pride as the Church Custodian. He was a former employee of Westinghouse, Inc. and Modern Chevrolet. Later he started his own business, B & M Auto Repair, and was a prestigious mechanic for over 40 years.

He was preceded in death by his father, Chancer Lee Eldridge Sr.; one sister, Ruby Archie; and two brothers, Jarvis and James Kelly.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Dorothy Lee Eldridge; two sons, Darreyl Bernard and Michael Andre' Eldridge of W-S,NC; his mother, Lenora M. Eldridge of Jacksonville, FL; three brothers, William Kelly of Jacksonville, FL, Chancer L. Eldridge Jr.and George E. Eldridge of W-S,NC; one sister, Linda (Ronald) Foster of Jacksonville, FL; three loving granddaughters, Deja Nicole Eldridge, Danielle Dorothy Eldridge, and Kyla Alicia Eldridge; a grandson, Darreyl Christopher Eldridge of W-S,NC; a devoted brother-in-law, David W. (Louwanda) Lee of Eastover, SC; a devoted cousin, Theodore (Jackie) Shannon of W-S, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm Saturday, September 22, 2012 at Red Bank Baptist Church, 6405 Red Bank Rd. Germanton, NC with Rev. James R. Clyburn, Sr. officiating. Interment will follow in the Red Bank Baptist Church Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1pm on Saturday at the Church.