William Aldridge

William Grady (Buddy) Aldridge was born on June 5th, 1936 in Mt. Pleasant, NC to Zeb Aldridge and Beatrice Burris. He grew up in the Mt. Pleasant and Concord area and attended Hartsell High School. In 1957, he married the love of his life - Evelyn Lynn Ballard - settled down and raised a family in Mt Pleasant. A dedicated husband, father and worker, he retired from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he worked as a maintenance supervisor for almost 30 years. In 1998, he was awarded “Employee of the Year”. Buddy was an avid gardener and woodworking hobbyist.

His greatest legacy, however, was his family. Buddy is survived by his wife of 57 years, Evelyn Ballard Aldridge, his oldest son Tim and his wife Kim, his daughter Tamara Bumgardner and her husband John, and his son Todd and his wife Sandy. Grandchildren include Jon Aldridge and his wife Stephanie, Heather Aldridge, Casey Aldridge, Sarah Aldridge, Meg Aldridge and John Wesley Bumgardner. He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren: Hadley and Stephen Aldridge.

On February 16, 2015, Buddy passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. His memory may have faded - but the memories he created, the love he shared, and his gentle soul will be remembered forever.

The family will receive friends at Center United Methodist Church, 1119 Union Street S., Concord on Friday, February 20, 2015 from 12:00pm until 1:00pm. The funeral service will follow at the church on Friday at 1:00pm officiated by Rev. De Hillyer. Burial will be held at Center United Methodist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Center United Methodist Church of Concord or Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Aldridge family.