Obituary of Bobby Ray Aldridge

Bobby Ray Aldridge, 80, of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2016. A loyal husband, dedicated father and grandfather, and faithful friend, he left this earth surrounded by his family. He truly began living as he stepped into eternity to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and be reunited with the love of his life, Gerry, his wife of 57 years. Bobby's parents, Velmer and Mattie Aldridge, were farmers in Floyd, Virginia. As a young man, he left Floyd to begin a career as a commercial driver. In his early twenties, he was introduced to a beautiful, Godly woman named Sylvia Geraldine Shively. He was immediately smitten, and although she was seeing someone else at the time, he knew he had found his soul mate. They truly experienced a Nicholas Spark's “Notebook” romance. Bobby and Gerry wed in 1958, and moved to Roanoke, Virginia. Eight months later, he was drafted into the Army and served in the Korean War where he drove a truck to transport military supplies. Following discharge, he continued to drive professionally and earned a reputation as a conscientious, trusted driver, and his career included employment at Roanoke Mills, Mason and Dixon, Preston Truck Lines, and following retirement, Abbott Bus Lines. He also enjoyed driving a shuttle bus to transport Carilion Clinic employees for a few years. In the early 1960s, Bobby became a member of New Life Christian Ministries (formerly, First Pentecostal Holiness Church). Throughout the years, Bobby served in many capacities, including board member, head usher, director of men's ministries, and bus driver. He and Gerry lived to serve others, and were an integral part of this body of believers. Even in his latter years when essential tremors limited his ability to actively serve, he continued to inspire with his positive outlook, grateful attitude, and genuine love and concern for others. His church family stood with him during his health challenges and loss of his wife, and continually buoyed his faith. Through the past five decades, he was blessed to experience the friendships of some of the finest people to ever walk this earth. Bobby was also a member of the Teamster's Local 171 where he was privileged to know “salt of the earth” men and women. He cherished the lasting friendships he made throughout his driving years, and appreciated the support shown by his colleagues who often provided transportation to union meetings and regularly held “solve the world's problems” meetings at Hardee's and K&W. He was known for his love of coffee, Krispy Kreme donuts, and reading the local newspaper. He was also a sports enthusiast and remained current on collegiate and professional players and games. As a professional driver, he also held a special place in his heart for Nascar. Bobby lived out his faith and values in a real, tangible way. He was consistent in his walk with the Lord, and exemplified a life of pursuing God. Every day, even when it was difficult to hold a book and turn the pages, he would say, “I need to read my Bible today.” He truly loved the Lord with all of his heart, and it was amazing to his family how people were drawn to him. He left a tremendous legacy of faith to his children and grandchildren. Surviving are his children, Sharon (Aldridge) Parker, and her husband, Glenn; John Aldridge, and his wife, Kathy; grandchildren, Brooke Parker, Alex and Jordyn (Woods) Parker, Jackson Aldridge, Abigail Aldridge and Amelia Aldridge; brother, Bill Aldridge, and wife, Margaret, of Tarboro, NC; brothers-in-law, Richard Shively, and wife, Karen, of Rocky Mount, Virginia; and, Johnny Shively, and wife, Beth, of Ferrum, Virginia. He is also survived by several cousins, nieces, and nephews. Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 19, 2016 from 2:00-4:00p.m. and 6:00-8:00p.m. at Simpson Funeral Home in Roanoke, Virginia. The funeral be conducted at New Life Christian Ministries, 5745 Airport Road, Roanoke on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at 12 noon with Rev. Walter L. Wood, Rev. Elwood Rakes, and Rev Tony Atkinson officiating. A committal service will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Life Center Ministries Africa. Please contact New Life Christian Ministries at 540-563-4989 or www.newlife.org. for more information. Special thanks to the physicians and staff of the CRMH Palliative Care Unit. Your attentive, compassionate care provided to our father and family will forever be cherished. Friends may send their condolences to the family at www.simpsonfuneral.com. Arrangements handled by Simpson Funeral Home and crematory, 540-366-0707.