James "Winky" Wendell Aldridge, Jr.

Blackshear – James Wendell “Winky” Aldridge, Jr., 66, of Blackshear passed away early Monday morning (September 16, 2024) at his residence after a long courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Waycross, GA his parents were James Wendell Aldridge, Sr. and Maxine Corbitt Aldridge. He is also preceded in death by his brother, Rodney Dale Aldridge; a brother-in-law, Tom Sweat; and his father-in-law, Judge M.C. Pritchard.

Winky was retired stenciler and painter from GATX and a member of the Ware County Jaycee’s from 1978 to 1981. He was a jack of all trades, who could fix and build about anything. Winky was a loving husband, father, and papa who loved spending time with his family, going fishing, gardening, watching Georgia Bulldogs and tending to his chickens.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Susan Pritchard Aldridge of Blackshear; a daughter and son-in-law, Samantha Young (Kelly) of Blackshear; son and daughter-in-law, James “Chris” Aldridge (Julie) of Dixie Union; 5 grandchildren, Alyssa Young and Addie Young of Blackshear and Preslee Aldridge, Mason Aldridge and Landon Lloyd all of Dixie Union; his sister, Sylvia Sweat of Blackshear; brother-in-law, Cleve Prichard (Blanche) of Waycross; 2 sisters-in-law, Selina Pinckney (Jimmy) and Micaela Aldridge all of Blackshear; and also several nieces, nephews other relatives and a host of friends.

Visitation will be held Tuesday evening (September 17, 2024) from 6pm-8pm at Miles Odum Funeral Home in Waycross.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday morning (September 18, 2024) at 11am at Grace Episcopal Church with Father Donald Holland officiating.

Pallbearers will be Samantha Young, Chris Aldridge, Brian Sweat, Nathan Sweat, Billy Copeland and J.R. Westberry.

Arrangements are with Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta, GA.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.fryefh.com.