Fire Chief John D. Etheridge

Fire Chief (Ret.) John D. Etheridge, of Winder, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 14, 2024, surrounded by his family at the age of 93.
John Etheridge was born on February 2, 1931, in Barrow County. After high school, he served in the United States Air Force as a Staff Sergeant. Following his honorable discharge, he became a volunteer member of the Winder Fire Department from 1969-1992 and served as the Fire Chief from 1980-1987. As a pillar of the Winder community, he was instrumental in the planning of the John O. Mobley Public Safety building. John was also known as the owner and operator of a service station on the corner of North Broad Street and New Street and ran this business for over twenty years. In retirement, he enjoyed spending time on the family farm. Chief Etheridge was a devoted member of the Winder First United Methodist Church and was the longest-serving member of the Auburn Masonic Lodge #230 with over 72 years of membership. John will be best remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
John was preceded in death by the love of his life, Lucille Wood Etheridge, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage. He was also preceded by his daughter, Cindy Gilstrap; parents, Leon Gay Etheridge and Carmen Anderson Etheridge; and brother, Emory Etheridge.
Chief Etheridge is survived by his son, Mike (Carla) Etheridge; grandchildren, James (Amanda Tedrow) Gilstrap, Michael (Melissa) Etheridge, Jesse Etheridge, Jake (Shea) Etheridge, and Lauren Williams; and great-grandchildren, Carson, Kaleigh, Sarah, and Emma Etheridge.
The funeral service to honor Chief Etheridge's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 18, 2024, in the Chapel of Carter Funeral Home with Rev. Calvin Haney and Fire Chief (Ret.) Raymond Mattison officiating. Burial with Air Force Honors and Masonic Rites will follow at Barrow Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Carter Funeral Home.
Flowers are welcome or memorial donations can be made to the Masonic Home of Georgia at www.masonichomeofgeorgia.com/donate or at 1417 Nottingham Dr, Macon, GA 31211.
Carter Funeral Home, Winder, is entrusted with the arrangements.