TRACY ‘BUDDY’ N. ELDRIDGE JR.

ORLAND – Tracy N. Eldridge Jr., 78, died Oct. 3, 2008, at his home after a short illness. He was born Jan. 22, 1930, in Penobscot, the son of T. Norwood and Gladys (Leach) Eldridge. Buddy was a Korean War veteran and served in the second division 38th infantry regiment, the Spearheaders, where he saw combat and was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge with two Bronze Stars. He retired from Champion International Mill, Bucksport, in 1991 after 44 years of employment, and was a member of Rising Sun Lodge No. 71, Orland, for more than 50 years. All of his life, Buddy had a great love of the sea. He owned and fished many lobster boats throughout the years and was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying coon hunting with his dogs. He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren in their sporting events. He is survived by a special friend, Mary Esther Weaver; his four children, Jennifer Archer and her husband, Raymond, and their children, Emily and Alexandra, of New Rochelle, N.Y.; Lorraine Eldridge of Santa Barbara, Calif.; Tracy and his wife, Donna Eldridge, of Portland; and Vance and his wife, Karen Eldridge, and their children, Olivia and Evan, of Orland; sister-in-law, Anna Lee Eldridge; and nephews, Randy, Kerry and Donnie Eldridge. He was predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Gloria (Cotton) Eldridge; granddaughter, Amanda Rachel Archer; parents; and brother, Donald. Visiting hours will be held 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, at Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home, 28 Elm St., Bucksport, where funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday with Pastor Peter Remick and the officers of Rising Sun Lodge officiating. Interment will be at Oak Grove Cemetery, Orland.