Russell "Danny" Ethridge passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by the love of his family, on Sunday, July 13, shortly after celebrating his 82nd birthday. After a long illness, he is now at peace in the presence of his Lord and Savior.

Danny found great joy in life's simple blessings. He loved spending time with his family, watching Wheel of Fortune and baseball games together. He had a passion for people and never met a stranger. He loved watching things grow, both people and his garden. He planted countless trees, shrubs, and flowers over the years. The beautiful yard he created became a place of peace that nourished both his soul and those he loved.

Danny was born in Meridian, Mississippi, at Mattie Hersee Hospital to Mark Dee and Bonnie Ree Ethridge. He was the seventh of eight children. He attended Martin-Center Hill School and Meridian High School before earning degrees from Clark College and Mississippi College. Education was deeply important to Danny, and he encouraged a lifelong love of learning within his family.

Called to ministry, Danny faithfully served the Lord as a pastor, including at Wahalak and Salem Baptist Church, where he touched many lives through his compassionate leadership and unwavering faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mark Dee and Bonnie Ree Ethridge; his brothers, Mark, George, and Jimmy Ethridge; and his sister, Betty Ethridge Katsaboulas.

He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Lynda Ethridge; his children, Angelia Garrard and her husband Jim of Plano, TX; Rus Ethridge and his wife Karen of Plano, Texas; Sue Owens and her husband Jeremy of Sioux City, Iowa. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Jon Garrard and his wife, Caitlin; Amber Garrard; Joy Garrard; and Matthew Ethridge. He is further survived by his sisters, Jean Vinson of Chattahoochee, Florida; JoAnn Collins of Union, Mississippi; and Joyce Ward of York, Alabama; along with many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be held on July 16th at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes – Highway 39 North. The funeral service will be held at Pine Forest Baptist Church in Collinsville on July 17th at 10:00 AM. A graveside service will immediately follow at Pine Grove Church Cemetery in Collinsville, Mississippi.

The family graciously requests that memorials be made in Danny's honor to Baptist Children’s Village and Family Ministries in lieu of flowers.