Mark Stephen Eldridge

Mark Stephen Eldridge, 75, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025 in Atlanta.

He was born on May 10, 1950, in Rome Ga., to Pauline LeCroy Eldridge and James Davis Eldridge, Jr.

Mark was a member of Grace Methodist Church. He attended Inman Elementary School, Grady High School and graduated from Pace Academy (1968). He went on to attend Young Harris College and the University of Georgia.

He loved living the country life, but was drawn back to duties in the city where he became a landlord for over four decades, influencing many people, always sure to make a lasting impression with his unique style and humor. Mark was more in touch with people and the human heart than anyone would suspect unless they had been recipients of assistance through his words, deeds, optimism and immense generosity.

Mark was best known for his interest in the natural world. He was an 'urban farmer' who loved gardening, the forests and all God's creatures. He was always up-to-date on current events as well as knowledgeable about history. He was a master of newspaper word jumbles, puzzles and kept meticulous scores of daily card games with his mother, 'Mimi.' In day-to-day life, his presence was large to those closest to him. Neighbors could always recognize Mark by his overalls, sun hat, pickup truck and friendliness with any dog passing by. Several tenants remember Mark for helping them get settled into their new homes and his work to keep their dwellings in working order.

To his nephew, Uncle Mark was always handy with a sharp, crisp, witty "remark." He had firm instruction on how to do everything from chewing to walking to talking to sitting. Anything I ever needed, Uncle Mark was there. He often threw the baseball with my brother and me. I remember if you threw the ball too high or too wide he would make you chase after it. My uncle was a man who loved his scratch-offs and cold coffee. He was 'Ace.' My first cup of cold coffee was with him. We once took a trip to work on the cabin. We stopped on the road and he brought out the thermos, set it on top of his green 90's F-150 pickup and we drank cold coffee ... I was eight. My Uncle Mark, a gentle giant with a huge heart, will be missed dearly.

Mark is survived by his mother Pauline LeCroy Eldridge, brother James R. Eldridge; sister Jan Eldridge King and brother-in-law Michael Roberts King; sister-in-law Cheree Eldridge; nephew Andrew M. King, nephew Davis W. King (Misha Tomczak), and nephew Richard A. Eldridge (Emily Eldridge); great nephews Andrew Michael King, Avery Eldridge and Nolan Eldridge, all of Atlanta; as well as many Tennessee cousins, friends, and tenants both former and present.

A memorial service will be held November 1, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Haygood Memorial UMC, 1015 East Rock Springs Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30306.

Mark will be laid to rest in Hamilton Memorial Gardens, Chattanooga, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, Mark's memory may be best honored by your kindness toward others.

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." -Aesop