Alfred Greene "Al" Eskridge Jr.

Alfred "Al" Greene Eskridge, Jr., 85, of Greer, SC peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, January 7, 2024.
He was born in Shelby, NC on November 8, 1938, to parents Alfred Greene Eskridge, and Elsie Gidney Eskridge. Al was highly skilled in athletics. While at Shelby High School, he played football and ran track for the "Golden Lions". He graduated in 1961 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and was a member of Alpha Tao Omega (ATO) fraternity.
Al's career included working for Fiber Industries both in SC and in Puerto Rico. While in Puerto Rico, he designed and built a large 50 boat Caribbean dock expansion to Marina de Salinas. He also held roles at Platt Saco Lowell in Easley, SC, Carolina Painting in Greenville, SC, and owned two companies: Greenville Services Commercial Painting and Landscaping and Excel Enterprises.
Physically active throughout his life, Al honed his golf game to a two handicap as a member of Greenville Country Club, played racquetball, enjoyed scuba diving, and was a Radio Controlled Airplane enthusiast. He was also a lifelong UNC basketball and football fan and loved Clemson football (much to the chagrin of his Tarheel friends!).
While his professional success was evident, Al is best remembered for his quick wit, his handyman skills, his deep faith in God, and unwavering devotion to his family. A faithful member of Covenant Methodist Church in Greer, SC, Al was in the Seekers Sunday School as well as numerous bible studies and also served as Property Committee Chairperson. He lived his Christian faith through actions small and large, such as stepping in to be a long-term advocate and primary caregiver for a neighbor, a former Army Vietnam Veteran, who was ill and not receiving the VA benefits to which he was entitled. Al and Suzie were recognized by the local Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter for their tireless labor to complete that mission.
A genuine "man's man" and a strong leader, Al was a get-it-done kind of guy. He was no stranger to hard work, and when he focused on a project, he was committed to accomplishing the goal. From home remodeling to mechanical repairs, no project was too complicated or difficult, and every repair was an opportunity to make something better. To be loved by Al often meant being relentlessly pursued to join him to do something that he loved. No experience required.
Al also had a zany humor that transcended all relationships with funny sayings and goofy looks. He loved the water – lake or ocean, and he and Suzanne built a home on Lake Keowee specifically for the family to have a gathering place and many beautiful family memories were created as a result. Whether in something as routine as sharing a steak dinner, watching an action movie, working on a project, or enjoying a lake weekend or time at the North Myrtle Beach condo, it was evident that "Papa" or "Big Daddy" (as he was called by his children and grandchildren) cherished quality family time.
His memory and legacy will be treasured by his wife of more than 39 years whom he loved beyond words, Suzanne Hunter Eskridge; his children, Allison Eskridge White, Alfred Greene "Tripp" Eskridge, III (Julie), Catherine Eskridge Poe (Mitchell), John Porter Eskridge, and stepdaughter, Allyson Church Bergin (Tom); eight grandchildren, Daniel, Kristen, Anna, Bryan, Amy, Lilly, Bess, and Hunter; three great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Brooklyn, and Finley; his sister, Anne Eskridge Barnes (Norris); and brother, Bob Eskridge. In addition to his parents, Al was preceded in death by his stepson, James Hunter Seago.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at Covenant Methodist Church with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Covenant Methodist Church, Greer, SC.
Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Al with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Leave A Message, Share A Memory" below.