Gary Aldridge

Gary Don Aldridge, 79, passed away on December 20, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. A graveside service will be held at Bradshaw Cemetery on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 1:00 PM.

He was born in Winters, TX on May 23, 1946, to Dalton "Doc" and Patricia "Pat" Aldridge and grew up in the Bradshaw, TX area. He loved to hunt, fish, and work on the family farm. He also enjoyed sports and excelled in basketball and football, earning a reputation as someone to avoid by opposing teams! While attending Jim Ned High School, he met the love of his life, Shirley Kay McNeill, and they married on December 18, 1964, in Tuscola, TX.

After graduating from high school in 1964, Gary soon began a long and successful career in the aerospace industry where he performed highly technical roles that require strong math, science, and design skills. He quickly advanced to management positions that generally require industrial/mechanical engineering degrees. Even though he achieved remarkable success in the aerospace industry, his passion was always farming and ranching and he worked tirelessly to acquire land and build a profitable business doing what he loved. After 25 years, he was able to give up his city job and devote all his time to his own business.

After about 15 years of farming and ranching full-time, Gary returned to the aerospace industry to supplement his income doing contract work for Lockheed Martin, which took him to Europe and all over the continental U.S. While Gary only endured this experience, Shirley enjoyed traveling and spending time in new places-including Seattle, Baltimore, and St. Petersburg, FL. But his home in Morrow was the only place he ever wanted to be. In 2010, Gary was able to retire and spend the rest of his days at home.

After retirement, Gary enjoyed frequent visits from family and friends. Everyone looked forward to spending long weekends and holidays at the farm hunting, fishing, riding ATV's, eating good food and just spending time outdoors. He was a great storyteller and occasionally enjoyed a good debate. He might even have enjoyed stirring up a little trouble from time to time.

Gary was a good man and always had high expectations of himself and his kids. He was honest to a fault and there wasn't anything that he wouldn't do for his family or friends. He had old fashioned morals and high principals. While never a sentimental man, there was no doubt that he loved deeply. He felt closest to God when he was outside on his land, surrounded by nature. His family and close friends understood and respected him. He left his mark on many and will never be forgotten.

Gary leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Shirley Aldridge of Ovalo, TX; son Steve Aldridge and wife Sheryl of Aledo, TX; daughter Regina (Aldridge) Choyce of Prosper, TX; brothers Ronny Aldridge and wife Sherry of Lamesa, TX, Doug Aldridge of Lubbock, TX, Bobby Aldridge and wife Gayla of Bryan, TX; sisters Joan Pohovich and husband Al of San Antonio, TX and Vicki Liggins of Abilene, TX; grandchildren Samantha Elder and husband John, Austin Aldridge, Andrew Choyce and wife Molly, and Matthew Choyce; great grandchildren Jackstin Elder, Violet Elder and Grayston Elder. Survivors also include brother-in-law Ronnie McNeill and his wife Gerry of Floresville, TX and sister-in-law Gail Goldberg of Boerne, TX as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law Wayne McNeill and his wife Doris and Ed Goldberg, as well as one niece and one nephew.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to the Morrow Volunteer Fire Department, 2718 Co Rd 184, Ovalo, TX 79541. Please contact Kenny Smith at 325-668-3635 for additional information.