Phillip Elzia Aldridge

Phillip Elzia Aldridge, (90), of Grovetown, GA, passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 30, 2023. Phillip, fondly known as Phil, was born to Spencer Martin and Jessie Kate (Worth) Aldridge on October 16, 1932, in Jacksonville, FL.

Phil was passionate about education, graduating from Hoboken high school as the Salutatorian. He started his post-secondary academic pursuit at Massey Business College in Jacksonville, FL, followed by The University of Georgia in Athens where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1959. He earned a Juris Doctor from Emory University School of Law in 1965, and returned to The University of Georgia where he earned his Master of Business Administration in 1980. His love of the Georgia Bulldogs lasted from 1956 to the recent repeat National Championships of 2023.

Phil was a proud American who served his country in the US Air Force during the Korean War from 1952-1956. While in the Air Force, he was stationed in Colorado, Louisiana, California, Japan, and Korea.

Between military service and his educational pursuits, he worked as a lawyer in both private practice and for various federal government agencies, most notably The Department of Housing and Urban Development. His HUD career also permitted him to travel and work for months at a time in Houston, Las Vegas, Washington DC and Miami.

He is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Linda Moose Aldridge; two daughters, Patricia Lynn Carswell of Evans, GA and Cyndi Aldridge Griffin (Greg) of Evans, GA; three grandchildren, Olivia Carswell of Augusta, GA, Maddi Griffin of Evans, GA and Will Griffin of Evans, GA.

Aside from his love of his family, country, and education, Phil was an active member of the Pathways Sunday School class at Wesley United Methodist Church. He donated his time and expertise to volunteer as a tax accountant for the elderly. He was also a generous supporter of various political campaigns and the University of Georgia.

Reverend Greg Porterfield will officiate a celebration of life service on Friday, May 5 at 11am at Wesley United Methodist Church in Evans. The family will receive visitors beginning at 10am. Reverend Henry Aldridge will officiate a burial service in Waycross on Friday, May 12 at 10am at Thomas Cemetery on Miles Still Road. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Men In Mission group at Wesley United Methodist Church.