Mr. Joseph Henry Eldridge, 83, of Fayetteville passed away on Friday, October 6, 2017.

Joe was a retired educator who taught N.C. History for over twenty years with Cumberland County Schools. Prior to teaching, he worked for American Oil Company. Joe had a love for history and reading. His greatest passion, though, was fishing. He spent nearly 50 years surf fishing at Portsmouth Island on the Outer Banks of NC. He was happiest when sitting with his feet in the sand, reading a good book or standing in the surf, reeling in a 40-pound puppy drum. His fishing skills were widely known, and he received numerous citations for prize-winning catches. A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 9, 2017, at 2 p.m. in Haymount United Methodist Church with Rev. Francis Daniel presiding. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Commons Room at the church. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jane Ewing Eldridge; his daughter, Allison Eldridge Violette and husband Cal, of Fayetteville; two grandchildren, Jamie Violette and wife Emily of Hendersonville, NC, and Jane Violette of Durham, NC; and brother Ronnie Eldridge and wife Kay of Garden City, SC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Haymount United Methodist Church.