Freddy Fate Eldridge

Freddy Fate Eldridge, age 76, of Westville, Florida passed away Tuesday, September 13, 2022, in Tallahassee, Florida. He was born August 12, 1946, in Westville to Daniel Eldridge and Gladys Lawrence Eldridge. Freddy was a lifelong resident of the Ponce de Leon area. After attending Ponce de Leon High School, Freddy proudly served his country in the United States Army National Guard. On November 17, 1967, he married the love of his life, Ada. He and Ada were married for 55 years. Freddy was exceptionally good at working with heavy equipment, which he did for most of his life. He worked for Fairchild Construction for many years before his retirement in 2010. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, working in his vegetable garden, and even playing men’s softball in his younger days. He especially loved drag racing and enjoyed the time he spent with friends at the racetrack.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Daniel Delois Eldridge, and Gladys Irene Eldridge; and his brother, L.D. Eldridge.

Freddy is survived by his loving wife, Ada Eldridge; one son, Keith Eldridge (Amanda); one daughter, Karen Byrd (Stanley); six grandchildren, Tyler Eldridge, Ryan Eldridge, Adam Eldridge, Gage Eldridge, Kaylee Byrd, and Blake Byrd; a nephew who was like a son to him, Johnny Gilmore (Debbie); one niece, Barbara Haddock (Lynn); one sister, Louise Gilmore; three aunts, Marynell Odom and Uncle Alton, Bernice Tate and Uncle Charlie, and Ernestine Phelps; and many loved ones and friends.

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 16, 2022 beginning at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home, 1474 State Highway 83 North, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433, with Pastor Wilbur Williams officiating. A time of visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Committal services will be held at New Ponce de Leon Cemetery.

Arrangements and services are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home of DeFuniak Springs.