Wayne Eldridge

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Lewis Wayne Eldridge, age 87, was born in Monterey, Tennessee, on July 29, 1939, to Charles Myers Eldridge and Fleda Medley Eldridge. Wayne passed away peacefully on Friday September 25, 2026.

For nearly 40 years, Wayne worked for the Tennessee Department of Human Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Department in Cookeville. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business, but inspired by his work with Vocational Rehabilitation, he returned to Tennessee Technological University to complete a master’s degree in counseling. He was dedicated to improving the lives of others and found great meaning in his career.

Wayne was kind, caring, and witty. He loved telling jokes and funny stories and spending time with family and friends. He had a deep love for animals and enjoyed spending time outdoors landscaping around the house. Having grown up in a musical household, with a mother who taught piano lessons, Wayne developed a lifelong appreciation for music. He enjoyed singing and collecting sheet music, especially scores from his favorite classic movies, with Casablanca at the top of the list.

In his youth, Wayne played basketball and football. As an adult, he loved watching college sports, always rooting for Alabama during football season. Locally, he was a regular attendee at Tennessee Tech basketball games. When he wasn’t watching sports, there was almost always a Western playing on the television.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Myers and Fleda Medley Eldridge, and his son, Kyle Eldridge.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara McCaleb Eldridge; his daughter, Erin Eldridge (Brian Watson); his brother, Charles Medley Eldridge (Bobbie); his grandchildren, Briana Duke (Tyler), Katie Eldridge (Damien), Kylie Eldridge, and Chris Arms (Sam); and several close extended family members and great-grandchildren.

A casual celebration of life will be held on Saturday October 10, 2026 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home (59 N Jefferson Ave.). Guests are invited to share thoughts and stories about Wayne.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The family would like to thank The Waters of Gainesboro and Grandview Post Acute for the care provided to Wayne in recent months.

Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. Share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.