William Walter Etheridge, Bill affectionately know as “Paw-Paw Billâ€, 76 of Crestview Florida died on
August 4, 2020 in Crestview Florida. Bill was born in Charleston SC on November 8, 1943, to Ruben and
Hazel Etheridge. Bill was a lifelong resident of Crestview and was an alumni of Crestview High school.
Shortly after graduation, Bill enlisted into the Army, where he served our great country honorably for 3
years. After separation from military, Bill pursued his criminal justice degree from Columbia University.
After which he furthered his career in Law Enforcement, thus becoming a Police Chief in Hallsville,
Missouri and Florala, AL. Bill also served as a police officer in the city of Crestview. Bill was baptized at
Antioch Baptist Church by Bro.Doc Tucker. And accelerated his walk with God by becoming a member of
Full Gospel Tabernacle pastored by Bro.Larry Batson. During which time he ministered to several
members of the community of Crestview.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents Ruben and Hazel Etheridge. One Sister, Mary Cadenhead and
one brother Ruben “Sonny†Etheridge. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Linda Adams Etheridge.
Daughters, Sarah Dabney and husband Kreg of Baker, FL, Mona Ciurleo and husband Paul of Crestview,
Fl. Brenda Terry and husband Mark of Kissimmee, FL. Sons, Rodney Reed of Arkansas, Paul Ellis and
wife Silvia of Enterprise, AL, Daniel Ellis and wife Jennifer of Dallas, TX. Brothers, Charles Etheridge and
wife Chi of Georgia. Wayne “W.Câ€, Etheridge and wife Cindy of Orlando, FL. Sisters Barbara Woodlief
and husband Ollie. Phyllis Whitten and Thomas of Mannford, OK. And 13 grandchildren, and 3 great
grandchildren.
Services will be held on Friday August 7, 2020 10:00 a.m. Graveside at Aubrey Jordan Memorial Garden,
Baker, FL. Officiated by Pastor Mike White, of Milligan Assembly of God and Rev. Donnie Cadenhead of
Victorious Life Worship Center.
The Family wishes to thank The Staff at Shoal Creek Rehabilitation Center for their outstanding care of
“paw-pawâ€, and Mrs. Penny from Regency Hospice Care. Special thanks to second floor NOMC nurses
for there diligence during Bill’s Final days.
Arrangements are entrusted to Brackney Funeral Home in Crestview, FL. Guest book and Condolences
are available online @ Brackneyfuneralservice.com
brenda harris (activity aide @ scrc)
August 6, 2020, 12:00 am
my sincersest condolences to ms linda and all of mr bill family, it was my great honor and privilage to have known mr bill all these years at shoal creek i recall how excited he was to see all his family during the parade in june mr bill was a wonderful man to talk to listen to his stories i kknow he will be missed by many people but he is now watching over his loved ones as their guardian angel till you see your loved ones again rest in peace mr.bill
Kathy Weekley (friend)
August 6, 2020, 12:00 am
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Barbara Woodlief (sister)
August 7, 2020, 12:00 am
Although the passing of a loved one is typically a time of great sadness, I’ve had to chuckle a few times these past few days when my thoughts turned to my brother Bill.
His favorite pastime was playing pranks on those who were dear to him, particularly me. I was born almost 18 months before him. Between the two of us, as far as I was concerned, I was the "boss." However, he wasn’t having any of that nonsense. Since I was a mere "girl," he thought it was his God-given right to boss me around and play pranks on me.
He’s in heaven now, along with our older brother, Sonny, whose favorite pastime was performing magic tricks. Also in heaven with Bill are his two best friends, Landon Greene and Junior Thomas.
I cringe to think of all the mischief the four of them will engage in during the coming years. The only saving grace is that our sister, Mary, is there with them, and I know she will exercise some modicum of control over them.
Bill will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Barbara Woodlief
Bonnie Crouch Stone (friend)
August 7, 2020, 12:00 am
My deepest condolences to the Etheridge Family. While I can’t be there with you to celebrate Bills life and to mourn the loss, please know that I am there in spirit.