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Robert Aldridge Obituary
May 23, 1948 - April 16, 2025
Saxapahaw, North Carolina - Robert Donald "Don" Aldridge passed away peacefully on Wednesday afternoon following a brief stay at the Authoracare Hospice Home in Burlington.
Born in Burlington, North Carolina, Don was the son of Lottie (Bush) Aldridge and Reid Rufus Aldridge, Sr. He graduated from Southern High School in Graham in 1966 and remained connected with many of his classmates throughout his life, cherishing those lifelong friendships. He attended Appalachian State University for two years before enlisting in the US Navy, where he served for four years before being honorably discharged. In 1970, Don married Marilyn Kirkpatrick, their marriage spanning 47 years, until Marilyn's passing in 2017. Together, they built a home in Garner, NC, where they raised their three children - Colleen, Freddie, and Jeanette. Don and Marilyn were devoted members of St. Andrews United Methodist Church, where they found spiritual strength and a wonderful community of friends. Don had a love for the game of soccer and shared that passion with others through his many years as a coach and referee. Off the field, Don was known for his wonderful sense of humor and his ability to make others laugh - a gift he shared generously with everyone around him.
Like all of us, Don was imperfect, but he was loved by many and leaves behind a legacy of deep family bonds, treasured friendships, and countless moments of joy and laughter that will continue to echo in the hearts of those who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lottie and Reid, his brother, Reid Aldridge, Jr., and his beloved wife, Marilyn.
He is survived by his three children: Colleen Minton (Keith), Freddie Aldridge (Amity), and Jeanette Balazsi; his grandchildren: Maddie, Colin, Georgia, Harper, Lila, and Briscoe; and his brother, Glenn Aldridge (Carol).
A service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 27th at Moore's Chapel Baptist Church in Graham. Visitation with the family will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Authoracare Foundation, 914 Chapel Hill Rd., Burlington, NC 27215.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Aldridge
3 Entries
Beth Auman Visser
April 30, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. I know your dad, father in law and Granddad was so proud of each of you. What a legacy he has left with your precious family to carry on making this world a better place. Sending my love to each of you.
jesse s Basnight
April 23, 2025
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad.I know that memories you share will help with the healing and grief.He sounds like a wonderful person.
With prayer and love, Jesse Basnight Jr.
Macy Albright
April 22, 2025
Don spent some of his summers in the 2010s driving the bus for our youth group to attend trips like Lake Junaluska. I´ll never forget Don, he was truly a character to be around. He was always involved in our church and I´m sad to see him go. I know he´s happy to finally be reunited with Marilyn.
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