Schley County GaArchives Obituaries.....Ethridge (memorial), W. T. February 26, 1807
************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm
************************************************

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Harris Hill http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00011.html#0002514 December 17, 2005, 6:10 am

The Schley County News  March 8, 1907
IN MEMORY OF W.T. ETHRIDGE By request of the family, I
submit the following:  W.T. Ethridge was born in the year
1850, was married to M.E. Murray,  January 3rd, 1877, to
this union were born 10 children, all in life except two,
the deceased has two loving brothers, both in Texas.  He was
a member of the methodist church at Concord, this county.
It was my pleasure to live close by him from the days of his
boyhood until 1891.  I found in him a quiet hightoned,
honorable citizen, always considerate and kind to all, and
was a good provider for his family, and I don't think I ever
knew a kinder man in his family than he was, being of a
gentle disposition, he had the confidence and respect of all
who knew him.


During his last illness, he, in his usual quiet manner told
his family all about his business affairs giving direction
indetail just as though he was going on a long visit.  He
called one of his daughters to his bedside, took hold of her
hand and said, "Olia, what a strange fix I'm in," and asked
her if she could see what he saw.  Then pointing to the
ceiling above his head and remarked "right there is the
prettiest sight I have ever seen.  Oh, so many flowers, and
boys and girls with wings.  Oh! how happy they look, and
right there Olia, is some thing less than a bird. It has
been coming and going all morning, always going right back
to the same place."  He constantly prayed to God for his
children but never prayed to be restored to health, but said
"just let me fall asleep."  He frequently told the family
not to grieve for him for he would soon be at rest.  Just
before death came, he said: "I have not lived up to the
requirements of the Bible, but I feel like God has forgiven
my sins, just put me away."  The next day we met at the
cemetery where we found a large concourse of his friends and
neighbors assembled, and after brief services by the writer
we laid his remains away to await the command of God on the
resurrection at which time I believe he will be fully
conformed to the image of Jesus, for I have long felt that
God had been gracious to him in the pardon of his sins. He
bore good fruit which is worth more than a mere profession. 
His wife passed away several years ago.  Since then he has
lived alone, except to have his children with him. Four boys
and two girls constitute the family at home.  In death this
father told his children: "God will provide for you."  Dear
children, you have my sympathy and prayers, and may God
enable each of you to emulate the life and example of your
Father.  May he sanctify this dispensation of His providence
to your good, sustain you all in this life, and finally save
you in death, at which time you may join your sainted Father
in that good world beyond this vail of tears, where
separation never comes and suffering and death cannot enter,
there to spend and endless eternity around the dazling
throne of God with the redeemed out of every nation of the
earth.


I hope to meet you there through the atonement of Jesus to
praise, and gaze in awe and glorious wonder at the dear
Saviour as the great centre of attraction.  J.M. Murray

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/schley/obits/e/ethridge516nob.txt

This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/gafiles/

File size: 3.8 Kb