A.V. Arnold Eldridge

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Funeral Service will be Live-Streamed on Friday, January 16, 2026 - 11:00 AM EST. Visit the Tribute Wall above to view the Live/Recorded Webcast.
A.V. Arnold Eldridge, the eldest son born to the late Booker T. Eldridge, Sr., and the late Maude Anderson Eldridge. He began his earthly journey on February 9, 1936, in Johnston County, Bentonville, North Carolina, and went to eternal life on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at his home in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.
Arnold was educated in the Johnston County Public School System and graduated from Johnston County Training School in 1955. While attending school Arnold drove the local school bus at the age of 15 years old and would help the family with farming after school. He also graduated from Union County College in Elizabeth, New Jersey where he earned his Associate's Degree. At an early age, he attended Bentonville Disciple Church in Bentonville, North Carolina.
After graduation following his oldest sister, Minnie Mae, he relocated to Plainfield, New Jersey for better job opportunities. Arnold was a dedicated, hard worker who began working at a dry cleaner then became employed with Westinghouse Corporation in Edison, New Jersey for several years. Afterwards, he began a lengthy career at Merit Corporation holding several positions where he retired as Regional Manager.
Shortly after starting at Westinghouse, he returned to North Carolina to marry his high school sweetheart, the late Alice Dell Smith. Arnold and Dell returned to New Jersey. From this union, two sons were born - Ronnie and Kevin. As their family expanded, they purchased their first home on West 5th Street in Plainfield, New Jersey. In 1976, purchasing their second home, Arnold, Dell and their sons settled in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.
In his spare time, Arnold joined his brothers, Teany and Jip, working at their family business, J&S Used Appliances and J&S Pallets in the South Plainfield area. J&S was the largest minority owned used appliance store on the east coast.
Arnold was a mild mannered, fun-loving and humorous man that loved being around family as well as helping others. Every family get together, "Buck or Buster" as his family called him, he would always crack jokes or show them tricks with little gadgets he bought. The Anderson Family Reunion was penciled in on his calendar every year. Since its existence of over 40years, Arnold only missed one family reunion and that was in 2025 due to his declining health. Over the years he looked forward to annual family trips to Las Vegas, jumping in the car at any given time to Atlantic City or PA casinos and overnight fishing trips. He also enjoyed preparing a tasty batch of his peach preserve and an entertaining night of playing cards. Arnold likedwatching his favorite sports teams, the NY Giants, NY Knicks, and NY Yankees.
In addition to his parents, Arnold is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alice Dell; his son, Ronnie; his sisters and brothers:Minnie Mae Sanders, Eloise Underwood, Maude Nixon, James Eldridge, Sherwood Eldridge, and Booker T. Eldridge, Jr.
Arnold leaves to cherish his memory: son, Kevin Eldridge; grandchildren, Erik Eldridge, Allen Eldridge, Jasmine Eldridge, Dani Taylor; sister-in-law, Theresa Eldridge; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
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