News and Views

The Rev. Roby Eastridge, 92, died Feb. 9, 2018, at Encore at Turf Valley Assisted Living in Ellicott City, a week before his 93^rd birthday. A Memorial Service was held at Munsey UMC in Johnson City, Tenn., March 3.

Roby Harold Eastridge was born Feb. 17,1925, in Teas, Virginia.  He was a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a B.S. in Business Administration.

He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1943 and was a member of the 20^th Air Force, 13^th Fighter Command on Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Luzon and the Philippines until his discharge in February 1946.  His military rank was Staff Sargent – Squadron Sergeant Major.  He then joined the United States Reserves from 1948-1952.

He and Katherine Nell Barnes married in 1953 and had two sons, who survive.

After college, he worked at the Sperry Farragut Company in Bristol, Tenn., as a Supervisor from 1952-1956, then moved to Maryland to follow his calling into ministry.   He received his M.Div. from Wesley Theological Seminary in 1961.

He spent the 31 years as pastor of:  Urbana UMC during seminary (1958-61); Walkersville-Lewistown Charge (1962-64); Lexington Park UMC (1964-68); Brooklyn Heights UMC (1968-69); Howard Park UMC (1969-75); Trinity UMC (1975-77) and First UMC in Laurel (1977-89), from which he retired and moved to Johnson City, Tenn. There he served on the staff at Munsey Memorial UMC for two years (1989-90).

Survivors include his wife of 65 year; two sons, Jeffrey Eastridge and Jonathan Eastridge of Ellicott City; and a granddaughter.

Condolences may be sent to: Nell Eastridge c/o Jonathan Eastridge, 7321 Golden Fern Court, Elkridge, MD 21075.