Donald Thomas Etheridge Sr.

Donald Thomas Etheridge was born June 24th 1930 to Ezzard Thomas and Helen Burns Etheridge. He went to be with the Lord on January 15th, 2023 after an extended illness. He was born and raised in Atlanta, GA.
Don graduated from North Fulton High School and Georgia State University. He served two years in the Air Force and received an honorable discharge.
He then worked with Sinclair Oil Company while going to college. After graduation, he went to work with Phillips Petroleum. Later, he began his career with Lance Inc. in Atlanta, GA. He was promoted to Payroll Manager with Lance in Charlotte, NC where he worked for 35 years.
Don was affectionally know as Dad, Pop, Granddaddy, Grandpa, G-pa, and most affectionally "Chief." He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He especially enjoyed Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee, GA. Don always enjoyed being active, working in the yard, or creating the occasional woodworking project. Don and Elaine were married 69 years and enjoyed traveling together when they could.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Marilyn Horton. He is survived by his three children: Kathy and her husband Ed Allison; Don and his wife Mary Jo Etheridge; and Mike and his wife Donna Etheridge. He had nine grandchildren: Sean and his wife Ashley Allison; Victoria and her husband Brooks Mooneyham; Ashley, Courtney, and Lauren Etheridge; Haley and her husband James Towery; Makayla, Connor, and Jacob Etheridge. He also had seven great grandchildren: Kyla, Paisley, and Jase Allison; Paxton Chief and Lucas Mooneyham; Elijah Etheridge; and Isla Rose Towery.
A graveside service will be held Saturday January 28th, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Forest Lawn East Cemetery in Matthews, NC. Robertson Funeral Home is serving the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Samaritan's Purse or Charlotte Rescue Mission.