Obituary: Shade Aldridge
Shade Aldridge, 93, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 9, 2022. Shade was born in Sandy Bottom and graduated from Moss Hill School in 1947. Immediately following high school, Shade sold pots and pans door to door (guaranteed to last as he would say), before starting work at Lenoir Auto Parts. Shade proudly served his country in the US Army and was deployed to Korea in 1951, where he received the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars and the United Nations Service Medal.
Following his time in service, Shade went back to Lenoir Auto Parts and after several years bought the business. Shade opened up four more auto parts stores in the region and also started the Kinston Drag Strip. Shade married Hildred Howard in 1960, and they had two children: Pam and Allen. After retiring, Shade served on the board of directors for the Salvation Army and served as the bookkeeper for Mary’s Kitchen, a ministry of St. Mary’s Episcopal church that provides meals for the hungry.
Shade was preceded in death by his wife, Hildred; and his son, Allen. He is survived by his daughter, Pam Aldridge Mazingo and husband, Steve; his grandchildren, Ridge Mazingo and wife, Kathryn, Cally Weller and husband, Rankin, Stephen Mazingo and wife, Abigail, and Rob Hudson; as well as his great-grandchildren, Emma and Gus Mazingo.
Shade was many things in his life: a successful businessman who pulled himself up from humble beginnings, a veteran who served his country, a racing fan, an avid golfer, a philanthropist, and a man of strong Christian faith. However, he will be remembered most by those he left behind for being the best friend, father, and grandfather a person could ask for.
A celebration of his life will be held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Tuesday, December 13th at 4:00 PM. The family will receive friends following the service at a reception in Mosley Hall.
Shade’s family would also like to add a special thanks to Tonya James and the entire Herritage Elite family for the love and care they provided during his last years and the special place they held in his heart.
Arrangements made by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations. Online condolences may be expressed at www.edwardsfhc.com.
