Rufus C. ‘John’ Aldridge passed away peacefully at Fountain Springs Healthcare on May 1, 2024.

John was born July 14, 1932 to Ada Bullard in Whiteville, NC. He and his siblings were placed in the Barium Springs orphanage in Barium Springs, NC after the death of his mother. While there he met Louise Campbell, and after graduation in 1952, they were married. She was 19 and he 20 and they began having children. First there was Carol, then John and finally Alan.

John enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his 22-year career in the military, the family was stationed in South Carolina, England, France, and in 1960 came to Ellsworth Air Force Base. John served three tours in Vietnam and one tour in Korea.

Following his military career, John lived in Louisiana with his second wife, Ethel (Warren) where he continued his life of service as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service for 22 years.

In 1996, John and Louise were reunited in marriage and enjoyed 11 years of retirement until her passing in 2009.

One could almost say that John had a third career in bowling. He loved the sport and bowled 4 – 5 times a week until the age of 89. He also loved woodworking, gardening, playing cards, fishing and spending time at First Gold Gaming Resort in Deadwood playing the slots and enjoying their crab legs. John had a life well lived.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Louise, his mother, Ada and his sisters Maggie and Rachel. His spirit will live on through his daughter, Carol Goodrich (Grayle), his sons John Aldridge (Sheryl) and Alan Aldridge (Kanice), his nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Fountain Springs Healthcare and the many residents that befriended him. Also, a special thank you to Pastor Steve Selfridge and his family as well as his church family at First Wesleyan Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the First Wesleyan Church in his honor.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.behrenswilson.com.