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Robert "Bob" Joseph Etheridge Obituary

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Robert "Bob" Joseph Etheridge

Roanoke Rapids, NC

July 1, 1933 - June 26, 2022

Robert "Bob" Joseph Etheridge Obituary

Robert (Bob) Joseph Etheridge, 88, of Littleton, passed away on Sunday, June 26, 2022, at Kitty Askins Hospice House in Goldsboro, NC. Bob was born in Roanoke Rapids, NC, to the late Paul and Muriel King Etheridge on July 1, 1933. He married the love of his life, Mary Lou Shaw, from Weldon, NC, in June 1953, and the couple enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage before her death in 2012. Along with his parents and his wife, Lou, Bob was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Etheridge, Jr. Bob was blessed with a 44-year career with the JC Penney Company. He began his career with JC Penney in the Roanoke Rapids store, working part-time while still in high school. He was dedicated to the company, working into managerial positions in many stores in the South as well as in the regional offices in Dallas, TX and Atlanta, GA. He retired from the company in 1994 while managing the store in Durham, NC. He lived by the “Penney Golden Rule” by being fair and just with his family, friends, associates, and customers. Despite all the places his career took him, Bob always considered Roanoke Rapids and Littleton to be his home. He and his wife, Lou, returned to the area and retired to Lake Gaston on land that had been part of his grandfather’s farm. He became an active member of Calvary United Methodist Church and the lake community. His church, his family — including members of the canine variety — and friends were the most important things in his life. Bob is survived by his children Charlie (Colleen) Etheridge of St. Simons Island, GA, and Susan (Frank) Kidd of Wilson NC; seven grandchildren: Cate (Steven) Ouzts, Mitchell (Mary Ellen) Etheridge, David Tripp, Mary Beth (Jackson) Tucker, Amelia (Anthony) Ruize, Austin Etheridge, and Tobi (Matt) Nestor; eight (soon to be ten) great grandchildren; and of course, his best canine companion, Trey. A visitation will be held at 11:00 AM and the funeral service will follow at 12:00 PM Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at Calvary United Methodist Church, Littleton, NC. Reverend Stan Lewis, who is a special friend of Bob’s as well as a pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Askew Funeral and Cremation Services, Roanoke Rapids, NC. Memorials can be made to Calvary United Methodist Church, 136 Calvary Road, Littleton, NC, 27850.

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