Dr. William Davis Ethridge was born on October 26, 1926, in Waco, Texas to Ora Coke Stephenson and Wylie Elmore Ethridge and passed away on August 26, 2011, in Kountze, Texas.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Ann Banks Ethridge; his daughter, Elizabeth Ethridge Sherry and her husband, Craig, and their two daughters, Samantha Grace and Sydney Anne, all of Round Rock, Texas and a host of extended family and dear friends.
There was never a better Husband, OD, Doc, PB (Poppa Bear), Daddy, PopPop, Uncle Bill or Friend. Bill gave to all who knew him unconditional love. He was a generous natured man, with his acknowledgement and praise of others’ accomplishments no matter how insignificant they were. Bill was blessed with a wonderful sense of humor and shared it with everyone he knew. He was a true southern gentleman and will be sorely missed by those who knew him!
Bill joined the Navy in 1943 and served his country for the next two years. He attended Baylor University and graduated from the Los Angeles School of Optometry in 1951. He practiced optometry for fifty years in Beaumont. Dr. Ethridge was an honorary life member of both the Texas and American Optometric Associations. He was a member of the All Saints Episcopal School Board, serving as Chairman for nine years, as well as a former member of the Beaumont Jaycees. Additionally, Bill was a mediator and active member of the Jefferson County Dispute Resolution Center and an Honorary Life Member of the Jefferson County Master Gardeners, specializing in fruit trees. Bill was an avid tennis player and stayed active by maintaining Blueberry, Mayhaw and Satsuma orchards at “The Farm” near Kountze, where he and Ann have a bed and breakfast retreat. They are best known for hosting wonderful parties, weddings, church related functions and receptions.
Bill lived his life in devotion to his Lord and to his family and led an exceptionally rewarding and joyful life. He and Ann have been members of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Beaumont since they married, where Bill had been active for many years, having served as lay reader, vestryman and Senior Warden; always serving when needed. His daughter, Elizabeth, has witnessed the way he lived his life and faith each day and is grateful for the Christian legacy that she can now pass on to her own children. His family and many friends celebrate his spirit with profound gratitude.
Special thanks to Kountze Nursing Center, the staff, and residents for their compassion during Bill’s time at the Center.
His memorial service will be held on Monday, September 5, 2011, at time 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 680 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, with the family receiving friends in the Cloister following the service.
For those desiring, contributions in memory of Dr. William Ethridge may be directed to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 680 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77701; The Foundation for Education and Research in Vision, Inc., UH College of Optometry, 505 J. Davis Armistead Building, Houston, TX, 77204-2020; or Ubi Caritas, Family Medical Clinic, 4400 Highland Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77705.
