Lawrence Eldridge

“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships were built for.”

Lawrence “Larry” Harris Eldridge, 82, of both Emerald Isle and Chapel Hill, North Carolina, left his Emerald Isle Harbor for Heaven’s fair winds and following seas, on Friday, February 2nd, 2024.

Born on August 20, 1941, in Elkin, North Carolina (Surry County), Larry was the son of the late Arthur Daniel Eldridge and Helen Harris Eldridge. Growing up in Norfolk, Virginia, he attended Granby High School, where he graduated in the class of 1959. He was a tenacious learner and pursued higher education at Virginia Polytechnical from 1959 -1962.

After completing his studies, Larry dedicated himself to the contracting industry. With an innate talent for craftsmanship, he thrived as a contractor for over 38 years, overseeing significant projects, including but not limited to, the construction of the Dean E. Smith Basketball Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His meticulous work ethic and attention to detail left an indelible mark on countless structures throughout the United States.

Larry also found joy in being a small-business owner alongside his beloved wife Linda. Together, they were the proud proprietors of Linda's Bar and Grill located on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill. Larry's magnetic personality and warm presence created the opportunity for rich conversation. Those conversations became friendships, which led to long-lasting relationships with countless patrons who frequented the establishment. Many of them recall Linda’s as the place they came back to with their children and grandchildren.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 36 years, Linda Williams; daughters, Elizabeth “Betsy” Taylor (Howard), and Toni Lear, of Harbinger, NC; son, Lawrence Harris Eldridge III (Tricia) of Harbinger, NC; stepdaughters, Kim William Scott of Pittsboro, NC and Lisa Williams Blackwood (Charles) of Chapel Hill, NC; grandchildren, Joseph Taylor, Kati Taylor, Katherine Lear, Lawson Eldridge, Cole Eldridge, Kevin Scott, Corey Scott (Abbie), Alex Scott (Taylor), Jordan Frye (Corey), and Casey Blackwood (Flora); and great-grandchildren, Jason Taylor, Kennedy Furr, Hunter Frye, Bryson Frye, Siann White, Kenley Scott, Kennedy Scott, Elsie Scott, Nolan Scott, and Sadie Scott.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his brother, Arthur Daniel Eldridge Jr.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.