Gary R. "Bubba" Eldridge

1943 - 2024

Gary R Eldridge

March 7, 1943 - June 22, 2024

Gary "Bubba" Eldridge, 81, of Hilton Head Island, SC, passed away peacefully in his home June 22, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Bubba was born March 7, 1943, in Peru, IN, to Ken and Thelma (Kirkwood) Eldridge. He was one of four brothers that were known in the neighborhood as the 4 B's: Butch, Buddy, Billy and Buzzy. His father received a promotion from C&O Railway which brought them to Hammond, IN.

Bubba attended Hammond High School where he starred on the high school's 1960 Mystical State Championship football team as a fullback, linebacker and punter. In addition to football, he was a record-setting shot putter, earning a 3rd place finish in the state meet as a junior and senior. In 2009, he was inducted into the Hammond Sports Hall of Fame for his achievements in football and shot put.

After graduating Hammond High School in 1961, Bubba received a football scholarship to Purdue University, where a knee injury limited his career. He moved back to Hammond where he worked tirelessly to become a well-known name in the pipefitting community. He began his career at JW Snook, later transitioning to Morrison Construction, where he spent most of his professional life before retiring from Correct Construction. In 2016, he was celebrated by the Chicago Pipefitter's Local 597 for his 50 years of membership. Being a member of this association was extremely important to him. When he earned his position in management, one thing he never gave up was his pipefitter's card. Bubba is a legacy in the pipefitting community. Pipefitters who have never met him have heard the many stories about his work at the steel mills. Whether you knew him well or only met him once, he left an indelible impression that you'll never forget.

Over the years, Bubba developed a love of golf which is what led him to retire in Hilton Head Island, SC. He was an incredible golfer with a low single digit handicap and many hole-in-one plaques displayed proudly in his home to prove it. He enjoyed playing with his family and friends, never hesitating to provide you with coaching that consistently improved your game.

Bubba is survived by his wife, Nancy; children, Katy and Brian (Amber); brother, Buzzy; daughter-in-law, Lisa and four amazing and beautiful grandchildren, Cecilia, Ethan, Natalie and Hudson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ken and Thelma; brothers, Barry and Billy; and eldest son, Gary. In 2023, he was deeply heartbroken by the loss of his son. Gary was a brilliant entrepreneur and devoted and loving husband and father, who cherished his wife Lisa and their daughters, Cecilia and Natalie.

Bubba was a great Dad who rarely missed one of our games and was there when we needed him. We miss him every day, but we know he is with Gary talking about sports, especially college football and basketball.

We Love You, Grandpa Bubba!