Collinsville
Funeral Home
Robert Barham Funeral Services
Visitation
Friday, April 28, 2023, 11:00 AM – 12:45 PM, Barham Funeral Services
Service
Friday, April 28, 2023, 1:00 PM, Barham Funeral Services
Obituary
In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service which our military men and women have given to their country and our State, we honor a Fallen Hero. Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard the memorializing of its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.
Another great Airman and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on April 25, 2023, and has moved on to his heavenly home. CMSgt Gerard Donald Etheridge (Ret), age 83, a retired member of the MS Air National Guard and served and worked full-time in the 183d Airlift Wing, has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord. Gerald was the father of Brent Etheridge, who had worked full-time at AGO ANG HQ.
It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country. A special message from General Douglas McArthur remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.
Rest in Peace Airman. We applaud your patriotism and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright and live so free.
You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.
Another great Airman has gone home, “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Airman for Life”.
Obituary, visitation, and service details:
Funeral services for Gerard D. Ethridge will be held Friday, April 28, 2023, at 1:00 PM at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home, with Rev. Jeff Hancock officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.
Mr. Gerard D. Ethridge, age 83, of Collinsville, MS passed away Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family.
Gerard served 42 years with the Mississippi Air National Guard, retiring at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He was an active member of Crossview Church of Collinsville, MS.
Gerard is survived by his wife of 59 years, Phyllis Ethridge, his son Brent Ethridge (Julie), granddaughters Haley Barnes (Chris) and Sarah Ethridge, sister Linda Dulaney (Robert), and a host of cousins, in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Kimberly Ethridge, his parents Claiborne and Madge Ethridge.
The family request memorials be made to Righteous Oaks Recovery Center of Chunky, MS or a charity of your choice.
Pallbearers will be Jake Ammon, Robert Benson, Caleb Dulaney, Sam Dulaney (honorary), Wilburt Easom, Larry Frazier, Tullus Johnson, Richard McAlister and Randy Mathis.
Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com.
Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM Friday, April 28, 2023, with the service immediately following at 1:00 PM.