Jan. 15, 1923 – April 27, 2011

NATCHEZ — Services for Vander Colvin “V.C.” Etheridge, 88, of Natchez, who died Wednesday, April 27, 2011, at Natchez Regional Medical Center, will be at 11 a.m. Friday at First Pentecostal Church of Natchez with the Rev. James Johnson and the Rev. J. Vander Etheridge officiating.

Burial will follow at the Natchez National Cemetery under the direction of Brown’s Funeral Home in Gloster.

Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. today and Friday until service time, both at the church.

Mr. Etheridge was born Jan. 15, 1923, in Liberty, the son of Johnny Lee and Betsy Etheridge. He was retired after 42 years from Natchez Equipment Company. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II during 1941 to 1945.

Mr. Etheridge lived a life of dedication and faithful commitment to his family and his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 65 years. The chapter and verses in the holy Bible that best describes Mr. Etheridge’s life are from II Timothy 4: 7, 8.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Bobby Ray Etheridge; and two sisters, Inez Cupit and Vera Swearington of Liberty.

Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Eula Melton Etheridge; one daughter, Linda Bourg and husband, Frank, of Natchez; four sons, Johnny Murray Etheridge, Timothy S. Etheridge and wife, Wendy, of Jackson, James Vander Etheridge and wife, Jocelyn, and Billy C. Etheridge and wife, Stephanie, all of Atlanta; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Pallbearers will be Heath Etheridge, Chad Etheridge, Adam Bumgarner, Daniel Bumgarner, Ken Swilley, Josh Meacham and Jonathan Felter.

Honorary pallbearers will be the faithful men of First Pentecostal Church of Natchez.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Pentecostal Church of Natchez, 606 Hwy. 61 North, Natchez, MS 39120.