John Arthur Aldridge

Mr. John Arthur Aldridge, Stone Mountain, GA, passed October 22, 2024.  Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 11:00 am at Friendship Baptist Church, 80 Walnut Street, S.W., Atlanta, GA, with the Reverend Dr. Kelly Miller Smith, Jr., pastor, officiating.  Entombment will be at Lincoln Cemetery.  The remains will be placed in state at the church at 10 a.m.  The public viewing will be Monday, October 28, 2024, from 12 Noon to 5 p.m. at our chapel. The Omega service of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.,  will be 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at the church.

John Arthur Aldridge, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Earl Aldridge (Elnora Morgan), was born November 14, 1926, in Auburn, Alabama.  He attended the public schools in Auburn, prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army during WWII.  After serving in the army, he completed his high school education in 1947.  He then attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, and earned his B.A. degree in 1951.  He later earned his M.A. degree from Atlanta University in 1959.  He furthered his educational studies at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, and the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia.

A committed educator, he began his teaching career in West Point, Georgia, and later taught at elementary schools in Waverly Hall, Newnan and Atlanta, Georgia.   Advancing through the educational ranks, he held elementary school principalships at Mason Elementary School, Fickett Elementary School and Dean Rusk Elementary School. He retired in June 1989 from Dean Rusk Elementary after serving as its principal for 15 years.

He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and was Deacon Emeritus at Friendship Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Friendship Senior Choir and the Men's Ensemble.

He was a dedicated member of the Atlanta Chapter of Morehouse Alumni Association, having previously served as an officer.

Mr. Aldridge was married to Dr. June McDonald Aldridge, a retired professor from Spelman College.  His memory will be cherished by his devoted wife.

These services will be live streamed through the Friendship Baptist Church website Special Event (vimeo.com)