James Aldridge Obituary in Union Point at Watts Funeral Home

Obituary For James Aldridge

Obituary

James Larry Aldridge

Georgia native and educator Larry Aldridge died march 26, 2022 in the Greene Point Healthcare nursing home in Union Point, Ga. He was 82.

Aldridge was born in Juliette, Ga., on Sept. 30, 1939, the only child of J.H. Aldridge, a high school principal, and Willie E. Wilson, a housewife and textile worker.

Aldridge attended The University of Georgia, graduating in 1960 with the highest honors Magna Cum Laude in Journalism. He was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, Sphinx honorary society and Blue Key. In 1962, he earned a master's degree at UGA. He also started doctoral studies in mass communications at the University of Illinois, but chose not to pursue that degree.

Aldridge taught broadcast production courses and advised students in the Radio-TV-Film department of the Grady School for 14 years, which ended in 1976. "Prof. Aldridge had a joyful attitude toward teaching," a former student recalled. After a brief stint as an on-air, weekend news reporter for WSB-TV in Atlanta, Aldridge became a field representative in Iowa for the Atlanta-based cable industry pioneer Dowden Communications.

Aldridge returned to academia in 1986 and taught journalism at Brenau University in Gainesville until 1994. His last employment, from 1995 to 2006, was college counselor at Riverside Military Academy, a private boys’ prep school in Gainesville. His marriage to Nancy Pittman ended in divorce; together they had a daughter, Ashley. He is also survived by a long-time companion, Roberta Rhodes of Union Point.

Aldridge’s early experience as a musical performer was formative. “Larry’s interest in television, as well as his talent as a singer, were nurtured early as he performed regularly as a child on a local TV program in Macon,” recalled a musician friend. As an adult performer, Aldridge was the vocalist for a pop band called the Herbie G Quartet. “He was a crooner, sort of a cross between Pat Boone and John Davidson,” the musician added.

In retirement, Aldridge lived in assisted-living homes in Greensboro, prior to moving to the Union Point facility. Interment of his cremains will be in East Juliette Baptist Church cemetery in Juliette and Bethel Baptist Church cemetery in Union Point. Services are Sunday, April 3, 2022 at 2:00 from Bethel Baptist Church.

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I am so sorry to hear about Larry's passing. It does feel strange for me to call him Larry as he was always MR.Aldridge , or as we said on campus Mr Aldridge's class . I was one of his many students. He was well respected and regarded as "one of the best teachers on campus. " He will be missed, but his impact as a teacher still lives on in each of his students.

I'm so sorry to see this. Larry was my professor at UGA my senior year in 1976. He guided me through production of a studio news program on the Israeli Sinai agreement, which featured appearances by the Israeli and Egyptian Consulate offices in Atlanta. Quite controversial at the time. But he urged me to push on and I did. There were few professors who stand out from my time there. Larry stood tall. I'm so sorry I never had the chance to tell him so. Thank you Professor. Rest In Peace. ❤️ Tobie Englander Bagliebter UGA-ABJ 1976

Mr John English,a long time friend Of Larry provided his educational background.Thank you.Didn't mean to leave out Mr English's name.

So sorry for the passing of Larry.He was my sister's companion for 15 years.I didn't know him very personal but I do know that he was very nice and friendly and cared for my sister very much and she him.She took care of him for a long time and did a great job.I admired him for his educational skills.Very professional.He was very ill and couldn't get any better so it was time for God to call him home.Larry knew the Lord as his Savior and was ready to go.We praise God for that! Thanks to Watts Funeral Home for the wonderful services they provided and forRev.Willie Chester for his words of comfort and strength.For the beautiful song by Danny Strozier and the informational words of Larry's early life.He was not from here so we appreciated the educational words of the years of his early life.Thank you Larry for your kindness shown and may you rest in peace.🌹