John "Johnny" Raymond Eldredge

John “Johnny” Raymond Eldredge, age 71, of Cleveland passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 16, 2021 in a Chattanooga hospital.  He was born June 19, 1950 in Chattanooga and was the son of the late James Beecher “Jimmy” Eldredge and Jean Bowman Eldredge.

He graduated high school in 1969, playing football at Cleveland High School.  Johnny later worked toward a bachelor’s degree in business administration at the University of Alabama, playing under the legendary Hall of Fame Coach, Bear Bryant for one season.  He worked in the family construction business, alongside his father, Jimmy.  He finished the project his dad had planned:  Anatole subdivision.  Johnny then retired from the family business.  Early on he attended Westwood Baptist Church and later joined Bowman Hill Seventh Day Adventist Church. 

Johnny had a passion and love for the game of golf.  With a keen mind and sharp wit, Johnny loved all holidays.  He was known to help assist Santa Claus for family, friends, and neighborhood children.  His house was a must-visit for Halloween for children, as he generously gave away full-sized candy bars to them.  He decorated his home for Easter, Memorial Day, July 4^th, as well as Thanksgiving festivities.  Johnny appreciated faith, family and friends.  He took the words of Jesus found in Matthew to heart:  “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it:  “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

He was married twice.  His first wife, Brenda Stout and he had one son together, John “Chad” Eldredge.  Johnny and Brenda divorced, but remained good friends.  Later he met, Sandra Renee Skipper, whom he described as his “best friend and soul mate.”  He and Sandra were married for 25 years.  Once together, they strengthened each other and were rarely apart.

Johnny is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra; son, Chad (Tanya) Eldredge; and the four grandchildren that he loved and cherished, Madison, Morgan, Meredith and Miller Eldredge.  He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Beth Skipper Davis (David); mother-in-law, Mary Skipper; aunt, Linda Lawhorn (Ken); sister, Deborah Johnston (Tucker); and several nieces and nephews, including Matthew Davis, Mark Davis, Miller Johnston (Jennifer); Hailey Johnson Hetzler (Andrew) and Barrett Johnston (Randi).  Johnny is also survived by several cousins with whom he was particularly close:  Glynda King, Porkie Darr, Rootie Toot Glass, Gary Whaley, Bert Bowman, Linda Bowman, JC Bowman, Ernie Bowman, Butch, Tim, Brian Moreau and their families.  He also adored his pet cats:  Fluffy and Fee-Bee.

The family will receive friends from 5:00–7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at Fike-Randolph and Son Funeral Home.  A brief service will follow the visitation with Raj Patel officiating.   A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 20, 2021 at Sunset Memorial Gardens. 

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Eldredge family guestbook at www.fikefh.com.