NATCHEZ — Services for Natchez businessman H.W. “Bill” Etheridge, 88, who died Friday, Jan. 14, 2011, at Promise Hospital in Vidalia, will be at 10 a.m. Monday at McNeely Road Church of God with the Rev. Larry Hays and the Rev. Thomas Tapley officiating.

Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday and from 9 a.m. until service time Monday, both at the church.

Mr. Etheridge was born Nov. 20, 1922, in Amite County, the son of Phineo Carter Etheridge and Zella Elizabeth Jane Bates Etheridge. After serving four years in the U.S. Army during World War II, Mr. Etheridge returned to Natchez as sales manager of Barnett Motor Company, then later Woods Automotive. In 1965, beginning his business venture, he opened Standard Auto Parts, expanding later to True Value Hardware and finally Etheridge Hardware Company.

He was an avid sports fan, music lover and performer. He was interested in politics al all levels and enjoyed conversing with family and friends. Of a number of momentous events in his life, the two he most cherished were meeting and talking with the father of country music, Jimmy Rogers and with Gen. Douglas McArthur.

He was a member of the Church of God.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Robert Lee, J.R., Ernest and Vernon Etheridge; one sister, Ruby Etheridge Morgan; special cousin, Jack Bates; and one son-in-law, Bob Allen.

Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Alma White Etheridge; one son, Glenn Etheridge and wife, Cindy, of Natchez; one daughter, Gloria Etheridge Allen of Mount Olive; two granddaughters, Casey E. Desselles and husband, Scott, of New Orleans and Lindsey Etheridge of Oxford; one brother, J.P. Etheridge of Ferriday; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Bobby Etheridge, Clifton Etheridge, James Etheridge, Jerry Etheridge, Don Etheridge and Terry Etheridge.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to McNeely Road Church of God or St. Jude Children’s Hospital of which Mr. Etheridge was a lifelong supporter.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lairdfh.com.