During the month of June, while the farmers were busy picking cotton and shelling peas, Eldridge Paschal, Sr. entered the world on June 14, 1937, in Americus, Sumpter County, Georgia, as the seventh child of the late Bobby and Florance Paschal.

 

Eldridge would go on to be the last of Bobby and Florance Paschal’s children to carry on their legacy.

 

He is now spiritually reunited with his siblings, Charles Paschal, Eulamae P. Breedlove, Bobby Paschal, Jr., Moses Paschal, Sr., Otis Paschal, Minnie P. Osborne, Willie Jessie Paschal, Emma-Irene P. Jones, Corine P. Robinson, John L. Paschal, and the twins.

 

As a child, Eldridge was always a hard worker. He would often be seen pulling his little red wagon filled with wood from the wood shack to the "Big House," as it was known. Growing up in the countryside of Americus, Georgia, directly played a role in developing him into the man he would eventually become. After graduating from Shady Grove High in ninth grade, Eldridge was granted permission to join his older brothers in Miami, Florida.

 

As a young man, transitioning from the country to the city was exciting and challenging for Eldridge. Looking to make his own path, Eldridge decided not to join his brothers, known in Miami as "the Paschal Barbers." Instead, he chose to join his nephew, Ulysee Jr., and cousin, Melvin, in the mechanical world working at Anthony Abraham Chevrolet and Bill Austin Ford. Becoming a skilled automotive mechanic allowed Eldridge to expand his skill set into servicing trucks, eventually leading him to become a proud member of the United Teamsters.

 

During that time, he met and married Jerilene Johnson. To that union, twins were born, the late Angela Yvonne and Andrea Yolanda.

 

While adjusting to being a husband and father, he was called by the United States Army to serve. Eldridge served our country well and was a proud Veteran. Following his military service and dissolution of his first marriage, Eldridge’s life took a different course.

 

Eldridge met and married Janie Gardner. From this union, he became the bonus father for Jerry and Alician.

 

Eldridge met and dated Leila Ford. From this relationship, Eldridge Jr. was born.

 

Eldridge met and married Rubye Roberts. From that union, Lanica Feredrica was born. He also became the bonus father for Machell Lee, Patrina Jones, Lachanda Marshall, and Tavaris Paschal.

 

Eldridge met and married Yvonne Allen. From that union, Aleta Shanice was born. He also became the bonus father for Malcolm Voltaire.

 

In 2002, after over 40 years as a mechanic, Eldridge retired as a United Teamster from the Berman Truck Corporation.

 

Eldridge met and married Shar’on McGhee. From this union, he became the bonus father to Nicole Sanders.

 

Eldridge met and dated Syria Mitchell. From this relationship, Eldridge Ezekiel was born.

 

After retiring, he fully settled into being a PAPA to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He became the "taxi" driver for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

 

He was assigned the tasks of school pick-ups, babysitting, and preparing dinner.

 

He loved to spend his down time escaping to the beautiful waters of the Everglades where he enjoyed fishing for bass on his boat.

 

Eldridge, a proud member of the Paschal family, was a steadfast son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and cousin.

 

As his health began to fail, he began to receive care from the Veterans' home care program, Brightstar. Through this program, Eldridge met his caretaker, Dahila Myrie, who we all adopted as our family member. Dahlia provided care for Eldridge until his final days.

 

As Eldridge transitioned from earth to heaven on the 12th of September 2024, he leaves to mourn: his children, Andrea Paschal Bryant-Burts (Clarence), Eldridge Paschal, Jr., Lanica, Paschal Rodgers (Ray), Dr. Aleta Paschal, and Eldridge Ezekiel Paschal; grandchildren, Monique Bryant Clayton (Terrance), Dr. Tiffany Bryant (William), Dr. Patience Bryant, Damion Barryl, Aubreia Jones, Cue Williams, Skky McGill, Rayden Rodgers, Tierra Blackburn, Miranda Skye Paschal, and Caleb McCrary; great-grandchildren, Santanna Neal, Yahnae Laing, Andrea Bryant-Stennett, Wesley Bryant-Stennett, Saint Burroughs, and Londyn Fountain; great-great-grandchildren, Londynn Anastasia Bryant-Neal; and a host of bonus children, nieces, nephews, cousins, other extended family, and friends.