Henry Eldridge

Henry L. Eldridge, affectionately known to all as “Sam”, of Rockford, Illinois, departed his earthly life on December 10, 2025. He was born on July 7, 1944, in Forrest City, Arkansas, to Sarah and Henry Eldridge. He was the sixth of seven children.

Sam attended Lincoln Senior High School, where he was a star football player. He later moved to St. Louis, Missouri, with his family before settling in Rockford, Illinois.

A hardworking and respected member of his community, Sam, was a gas station owner in his neighborhood. He was also employed at Daimler Chrysler for 32 years as a mechanic before retiring in the early 2000s.

Sam leaves to cherish his memory, Dorothy Eldridge; his brother, Robert (Lacy) Taylor; and his 10 children, Gregory Hall, Felisa Lewers, Kim Cook, Gary Eldridge, Stacy Eldridge, Travis (Fayshawn) Thompson, Henry Eldridge III, Sawanda, Sheryl Ann, and Lashonda (Seneca) Modest.

He is also survived by his devoted granddaughter and caregiver, Markisha Eldridge. His legacy continues through his 26 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Sarah Eldridge; his sisters, Ima Ingram, Margaret Murray, Maxine Lofton, and Lillian Buchanan; his brother, Eugene Taylor; his granddaughter, Tamika Eldridge; and his grandson, Martavius Lewers.

A Funeral Service will be on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108, with a visitation prior to the service starting at 1:00 p.m.