Edwin Shoffner Aldridge

Some lives are best measured in numbers and years, but for Edwin Shoffner Aldridge names and titles do a much better job. One cannot describe this beloved man without using words like “Entrepreneur,” “Boss,” “Friend,” and to so many, simply “Big Ed.” Of course, the titles he was most proud of were “Grand Daddy,” “Son,” “Brother,”  “Father” and for more than 6 decades, “Husband.” An authentic force of nature with a sublime dry wit, often accused of being part cat by physicians over the years, Ed’s spirit leaves a legacy of love, laughter and cherished memories. One of his favorite sayings... “If you are going to do something, do it right the first time”, eloquently summarizes his message to many. Today is not a dress rehearsal- this is your life, I believe in you, give it your best, don’t waste precious time on regret, mistakes… make the right choice to begin with and never, ever give up.

On Tuesday December 19th, at the age of 80, Big Ed passed away peacefully at his home surrounded in love.

He was born in Cary on June 15th, 1937 and graduated just down the street from Cary High School in 1955. Ed was an avid baseball player in his youth, loved cars...especially driving them fast. He courted and married the girl next door. Ed and Tanya eloped to Bennetsville, SC, both at the ripe old age of 19. Ed was a long-time member of the Charles B. Newcomb Lodge, No 740. As a young man, he worked for O.D Wyatt Plumbing and Heating before going out on his own in 1971 and starting Aldridge Inc. His company is still doing business today under the leadership of his son, Edwin “Wesley” Aldridge.

Ed is preceded in death by his parents Hal “Doc” Fullard Aldridge and Neva Lee Guess Aldridge, by his brother Robert Eugene Aldridge, and his dear son Stephan “Steve”Wayne Aldridge.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Tanya Faye Stephens Aldridge, his children: Edwin “Wesley” Aldridge (Dabney) and Sharon Aldridge Morris, as well as grandchildren: Ashton “Gates” Aldridge (Courtney), Wesley “Logan” Aldridge, Anne “Mackenzie” Morris, Haiden “Trigg” Morris and his siblings: Helen Frances Aldridge Woodcock and Hal Lee Aldridge (Ruth).

The family wishes to thank Dr. Andre Leonard at Intracoastal Internal Medicine, Dr. John Knab at Center for Pain Management and Lower Cape Fear Hospice staff for their uncompromised dedication and care for Ed’s well-being, comfort and dignity. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

A celebration of Ed’s life will be held Sunday, January 7, 2018 for friends and family at the home of Wesley and Dabney Aldridge, 8901 Strickland Road, Raleigh, NC from 2 to 4 pm.

In lieu of flowers we ask that memorial contributions be made in Ed’s name to Wrightsville United Methodist on 4 Live Oak Drive, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480.

The family has created an online resource for friends and family and encourage any who wish to share thoughts, comments, funny stories to honor Ed’s life and legacy.