Mr. Carlton Ray Etheridge, age 81, of P.O. Box 790,Lavonia, GA. died Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at the Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Born January 6, 1926, in Barrow County he was the son of Floyd and Minnie Butler Etheridge. After serving his country in the Army during World War II, Mr. Etheridge began his career by working as a machinist for several companies in Georgia, Michigan, and Texas. In the middle of the 1950's, he became a tool and die maker while working for Pittard Machine and Tool Shop building stretch benders for automotive mouldings and trim. In the late 1950's Ray decided to advance his knowledge of the automotive trim Business and accepted a job with Metal Products in Valdosta. In 1963 Ray put together a group to buy Pittard Machine and Tool Shop which would become General Tooling Corp. After three successful years as co-manager of General Tooling Corp., Ray decided to start his own company, Peachtree Tooling Corp., where he served as CEO and President for twenty-eight years. In 1994 he retired to devote his time and efforts to Missions International Inc., which he organized in 1988. The primary purpose of Missions International is to build church buildings and support the pastors in Mexico. He also started a Mission Board under Missions International, for missionaries who get their own support. Missions International has never taken any money from the people, whom they serve.
Ray was preceded in death by a son, mother, father, and sister.
He is survived by his wife: Peggy Jean Hope Etheridge; sons: Floyd Wade Etheridge and wife Anita of Braselton and Don Bruce Etheridge of Auburn; a daughter: Beatrice Ann Etheridge of Auburn; brothers and sisters: Verlon Greeson and F. H. Etheridge both of Dacula, Janice Woodard of Douglasville, Donnis Etheridge of Auburn, Pete Etheridge of Hoschton, and Linda Upton of Enoree, SC; grandsons: Brian Ray Etheridge and wife Beth of Suwanee, and Brett Wade Etheridge of Savannah; special nephews: James Hope of Homer and Chad William Hope of Jefferson; special niece: Cindy Jean Autry of Homer; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 19, 2007 at the Lavonia First Baptist Church with Dr. Larry Finger and Mr. Contardo Covarrupias officiating.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday evening from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Missions International, Inc., P.O. Box 790, Lavonia, GA 30553 or to Lavonia First Baptist Church New Sanctuary Fund, P.O. Box 47, Lavonia, GA 30553.