COL.(Ret.) Eldridge Lonnie Starling ,85, of Fayetteville passed away Tuesday May 11, 2021 at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.

He was born January 23, 1936 in Cumberland County, NC to the late Edith Carter Starling and Ellis Mass Starling. Mr. Starling was preceded in death by his sister, Rachel Phipps; and two brothers, Charles "PeeWee" Starling and Anthony "Tony" Starling.

Mr. Starling was a faithful and devoted member of Macedonia Baptist Church. He served his country honorably for 31 years in the Army National Guard. Mr. Starling, a graduate of East Carolina University, began his career in education teaching with Cumberland County Schools. He would continue his work in education with the Army Education Center retiring as an Army Education Services Officer. Mr. Starling was an accomplished craftsman who also enjoyed working on John Deere tractors and camping.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Betty Beard Starling of Fayetteville; his daughter, Angela Moore and husband Greg of Fayetteville; his granddaughter Alyssa Lusk and husband Brian; his great-granddaughter Kathleen Lusk; his sisters, Jean Swaringen, Frances Piland, and Sandra Kimbel; his brother, Thomas "Chubby" Starling; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM on Friday May 14 at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey Street in Fayetteville. A funeral service will be held at 3PM on Saturday May 15 at Macedonia Baptist Church with Dr. Randy Moore and Dr. Bob Phipps officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Operation Christmas Child fund at Macedonia Baptist Church, 5064 Macedonia Church Road, Fayetteville, NC 28312.

Online condolences may be made at www.jerniganwarren.com.

Services are entrusted to Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, NC 28301.

Macedonia Baptist Church
5064 Macedonia Church Rd., Fayetteville NC 28312
Tel: 1-910-483-5330