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Robert A. Eldridge III

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Robert Eldridge III Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Mar. 23 to Mar. 27, 2024.

Robert Arthur Eldridge III was born on July 8, 1948, in Washington, DC to parents Mildred Brent Eldridge and Robert Arthur Eldridge Jr. He was the oldest of two children with younger sister Sheila Eldridge when the family moved to Arlington, VA. Affectionately known as "Bobby" he learned at an early age from his parents 'to stand up for what is right' when he was denied admittance to Patrick Henry Elementary School in 1958 because he would be the lone 'colored' student out of 600. One year later he was escorted by two police officers and his father making him one of the first African American students to integrate Arlington County Public Schools in Virginia on September 1, 1959. He peacefully made his final transition at his home and leaves behind to cherish his legacy, one daughter Disa Kjellman, , sister, Sheila Eldridge, nephew Brent Neighbors, cousins Brenda Blue, Tanya Coram-Hamilton, Dallas Howard and extended family and friends Raymond & Claudia Leak, son Taylor Hayes- Leak, Billy Pierce, and Cedric Lawson.

Celebration of Life Memorial Service Thu, April 18th, 2024, at Unitarian Universalist Church ,4444 Arlington Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22204, from 11:00am - 2:00pm. https://laytorestcremation.com/obituaries/robert-eldridge-lll

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Recent Activity

September 4, 2024

Steve Marsh posted to the memorial.

September 4, 2024

Steve Marsh posted to the memorial.

September 4, 2024

Steve Marsh posted to the memorial.

5 Entries

Steve Marsh

September 4, 2024

Steve Marsh

September 4, 2024

Steve Marsh

September 4, 2024

So sad to hear about Bobby´s passing. Bobby was a true longtime friend. He and I were roommates together on the road with Lyle Lovett´s band for several extended summer tours. His very solid baritone and alto saxophone playing was a real asset to our horn section. Bobby´s SOUND on baritone sax was rich, deep, and HUGE!! Besides being a tremendous musician, Bobby was an extremely funny guy. He always kept us entertained on the band bus, backstage, wherever. After the Lyle touring ended, Bobby band I kept in touch over the phone for many years and I would see him whenever a tour took me to the east coast. It was great to see Bobby in L.A. when he came out as a member of the "Bring in `da Noise, Bring in `da Funk" theater show. It´s very unfortunate that Bobby was plagued with such serious health problems during his final years. He was an exceptional musician who graced the stages of many musical stars (like Stevie Wonder) Broadway shows. Your friendship was a real treasure in my life, Bobby. Rest in Peace, my friend.

Huston Crayton Jr

July 27, 2024

Bobby was my tenor man with Milton Ward on trumpet. Soloist on our only recording "crab squeak " written by Milton Ward, YouTube. Collector´s item $450 a copy. 1968 Altic Records. We use to hang out together in 68 -70. He left my group Huey and The Bossmen to go on the road with Stevie Wonder. Milton Ward went with him. I am a loss for words. This is sad for me . We were on a 3 way with Hershel Dwellingham before Herschel left us last year.

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Robin C Casey

March 29, 2024

Goodbye Bobby. Safe journey. Thank you for all the jazz "how to's" that you gave me, that I never put into practice. Thank you for your recordings and arrangements of "The River". It was fun playing with you in the shows at Town, and a special delight to be your guest to see you perform with Cab Calloway. Big heart and Big talent. Rest in Peace kind old friend.

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