Ike Keith Ethridge

Funeral service for Ike K. Ethridge will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home with Rev. Hal Bates and Rev. Jimmy Williams officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM at the funeral home prior to service in the chapel. Burial to follow at Antioch Southern Methodist Church Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Ike Keith Ethridge, age 67, born March 29, 1958, to Ikie and Geraldine Ethridge, passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2026, surrounded by his family. Ike lived a life marked by faith, service, and a genuine kindness that touched everyone he met.

A proud graduate of West Lauderdale High School, Ike excelled both in the classroom and on the field. He played baseball, basketball, football, and was part of multiple facets for the band. He was the recipient of the Richard May Award for excellence in academics and athletics. His dedication to learning continued at East Mississippi Community College where he studied engineering, and later at Mississippi State University earning a bachelor's degree in mathematics and physical education along with a master's degree in education administration. He went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Fire Science from the University of Memphis.

Ike began his career as a coach, teacher, and administrator shaping young lives with patience and encouragement. In 1988, he followed a new calling and became a firefighter and later a fire inspector at NAS Meridian where he served faithfully until his retirement in 2009. His passion for firefighting never faded as he continued serving his community as a firefighter at Key Field Air Base until 2018. Ike approached every role with integrity, courage, and a servant's heart.

Ike is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Tracy Ethridge; his children, Kylie Tisdale (Paul), Jessica Alexander (Josh), and Landon Ethridge (Alison); and his cherished grandchildren, Ashlynn, Atlie, Adalee, Levi, and Kennedy. His family was his greatest joy, and he poured his heart into every moment spent with them.

Ike was preceded in death by his father and mother, Ikie and Geraldine, brother-in-law, Ricky Roberson, and father-in-law, Rev. Tommy Scarbrough.

A man of deep faith, Ike was a member of First Baptist Church Collinsville and attended Pursuit Church. He served as a long time choir member, youth leader and had a strong passion for missions, working with groups such as Builders for Christ and World Changers. His commitment to serving others reflected the foundation of his life.Ike wished to be remembered as "first and foremost someone who loved the Lord, and someone who tried to be kind and considerate to not only family and friends but anyone he met." Those who knew him would agree he lived that legacy every day.

In his free time, Ike enjoyed playing golf, bird watching, spending time with his grandchildren, supporting MSU sports, and spoiling his faithful dog, Arya. He also loved the simple joy of hunting for the best deals at Target.

Ike Keith Ethridge leaves behind a legacy of faith, humility, service, and love. His memory will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.

Pallbearers will be Mac Hodges, Rodney Putt, Logan Theall, Will Brand, Jeff Scarbrough, and Kent Joyner. Honorary pallbearers will be Ray Ethridge, Stan Hatcher, and Ricky Walker.

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.