Captain Eldridge E. Meredith

1926 - 2017

Captain Eldridge E. Meredith, 91, on Monday, June 26, 2017, passed peacefully at Anne Arundel Medical Center, surrounded by his family. Born Feb. 23, 1926 on Kent Island, MD, he was the son of the late Captain Earl E. Meredith and Evelyn J. Meredith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by Margaret Ann, his wife of 60 years; and siblings: Bessie, Emma, Geraldine, Valerie and Vernon.
Captain Meredith attended Queen Anne's Public Schools until he left to provide for his family. Captain Meredith enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942. The Navy offered more opportunities for African Americans than other branches of the segregated armed services. He left the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer and returned home to Kent Island where he incorporated his life lessons learned in the navy in his long career as a waterman.
Captain Meredith became an innovator, expanding his traditional role of a waterman to a flourishing charter boat business and restaurant owner. He has mentored numerous African American Captains in the area and his accomplishments on the Chesapeake Bay will continue to leave a historic impact on the State of Maryland.
On Feb. 23, 2017, Captain Eldridge E. Meredith became the 101st Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay and the 5th African American to receive this designation. This prestigious award instituted by Governor Tawes in 1959 to recognize individuals for life-time commitments to the conservation and preservation of the Chesapeake Bay. Captain Meredith's nomination was submitted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and approved by Governor Larry Hogan. One of Captain Meredith's many quotes "I love the Chesapeake Bay. She has been good to me and I have been good to her."
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Maggie Ferguson; one brother, Robert; two sons: Eldridge Jr. and Captain Tyrone; four daughters: Rita (late), Vera, Tara (Maurice), Sheila; seven grandchildren: Cornell, Capri, Channel (Frederick), John, Tavia, Tyrell, Aviana; and four great-grandchildren: Briana, Jaylynn, Jonathan, Bryson; and a host of family and friends.
The family will receive family and friends at Chesapeake College Todd Performing Arts Center & Theatre, 1000 College Circle Drive, Wye Mills, MD 21679 on Thursday, July 6. The viewing will be held from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The Celebration of Life will begin at 1 p.m.
Arrangements by Reese and Son's Mortuary, P.A., 1922 Forest Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401, 410-268-6015 or 800-750-1323.



This obituary was originally published in the Queen Anne's Record Observer.