- Date Of Birth: March 10, 1935
- Date Of Death: December 11, 2019
- State: Illinois
William “Bill” Baldridge 84, of Centralia passed away Wednesday December 11, 2019 at Fireside House in Centralia surrounded by his family. Bill was born March 10, 1935 in Salem, the son of Robert Landis Baldridge and Maude Marie (Duncan) Baldridge. Bill married Shirley Owensby on September 18, 1953 and she survives him in Centralia.
In addition to his wife Shirley of 66 years, Bill is survived by his daughter: Susan Neumann and husband Rick of Centralia; son: Joe Baldridge and wife Tracy of Franklin, TN; six grandchildren: AJ Burton and wife Michelle of Nashville, TN, Ashley Moore and husband Tyler of Centralia, Andy Burton and wife Kim of Smyrna, TN, Clare Baldridge of Franklin, TN, Owen Baldridge of Franklin, TN, and Eleanor Baldridge of Franklin, TN; two great-grandchildren: Aubrey Moore and Reeve Moore both of Centralia; a third great-grandchild on the way; two sisters-in-law: Pat Baldridge and Dottie Baldridge both of Salem; one brother-in-law: Gary Owensby of Burlingame, NC; thirteen nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents: Robert and Maude Baldridge, two brothers: Ray Baldridge and Don Baldridge, and one sister: Eva Quandt. Bill was a graduate of Salem High School class of 1953. In his younger years, Bill attended Hickory Street Church now known as Calumet Street Christian Church. Bill and his wife Shirley later became members of the Grace Church in Centralia, where he is presently a member. Bill and Shirley recently attended City Hope Church with their family. Bill started working at the Texas Oil Company as a Seismograph operator. He then worked for Centralia Cartage and later for Associated Truck Lines as Terminal Manager. After ATL, he worked for Owensby Buick Cadillac as a sales manager in Aiken, SC. Most recently he worked for Norrenberns Truck Service in Nashville, IL as General Operations Manager.
From 1974-1975 Bill was Lion of the Year and received the Lion’s Club President’s Award the same year. In 1978 he was the Lion’s Club president. In the 1980’s he was a member of the Centralia Elks Lodge #493. Bill enjoyed traveling with his wife Shirley after he retired. His greatest accomplishment was his family. He especially enjoyed spending time with all his grandchildren.
