George Paul Ethridge, Jr., 99, of Salem, Alabama died on March 8, 2024.  Mr. Ethridge was born on May 18, 1924 in Richland, Georgia.  He was the son of the late George Paul Ethridge, Sr. and Willie Mae Blackshear Ethridge.

Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Virginia Robinson Ethridge; stepdaughter, Debra Joyce Wise (Bob); brother, Noelle Harold Ethridge and great-niece Rowan Ethridge.

Survivors include his stepdaughter, Becky Summerlin (Jeff) of Salem, Alabama; five grandchildren, Hayley Glisson of Austin, Texas, Lindsey Glisson McLemore (Bryan) of Columbus, Georgia, Keith Glisson (Jessica) of Columbus, Georgia, April Glisson Waldron (Shane) of Columbus, Georgia and Ansley Bernarducci (Lou) of Boca Raton, Florida; six great grandchildren, Madison McLemore, Reagan McLemore, Camden McLemore, Shyloh Jolley, Ellie Waldron and Lexi Sirard; nephews David Ethridge and Jeffrey Ethridge (Kimberly), niece Patricia Ethridge and great-nephew Kevin Ethridge.

Paul served his country in WWII as a 1st Lieutenant Pilot where he flew C-45's, C-46's and C-47's airplanes.  While in service, he received the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 Battle stars, World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal and Distinguished Unit Badge.

Paul enjoyed many years on his farm where he raised cattle and farmed hay and peanuts.  The family enjoyed many weekends on the farm until he and his wife moved to Salem to be near their children and grandchildren.

Paul's love of flying continued after the military, and he enjoyed owning his own airplane, flying to all the lower 48 states.  He taught several friends and family to fly and took them on many adventures.  He and wife Gloria enjoyed a life of travel, and they shared a great love of dancing, often seen dancing at the Gallops Senior Center in Columbus, Georgia and many other places.

He had a happy and long life and was loved by all who knew him.  His family and friends will miss him immensely.

A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 10:00 AM, at Harmony Cemetery, in Richland, Georgia.  Lewis Baldwin will bring the message of remembrance.

In Lieu of Flowers donation may be made in Paul's Memory to the Richland Chapter of the American Legion Post.  Check may be mailed to Baldwin Funeral Home, P O Box 394, Richland, GA 31825

Baldwin Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.  Baldwin Funeral Home, P O Box 394, Richland, GA 31825, 229-887-2750, www.baldwinfuneralhome.com, Visit our web site to sign the guest book.