The Lord called home our Loving Father and Precious Husband, James Samuel “Sammy” Eastridge on Friday, January 30, 2009. He was at home with his wife by his side. Sammy was a native of Charleston, Miss., and was born August 8, 1934. He proudly served his country in the United States Army where he retired as Sergeant Major after 21 1/2 years of service. He was a member of Union Baptist Church in Caesar, Miss. He served as Chairman of the Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation Commission. He served on the nominating committee of Coast Electric Power Association. He loved hunting, fishing, the farm and his cows, but he especially loved going to auctions looking for “the deal”. He was always in charge and was respected by those who knew and worked for him…. There is no doubt he has the Angels in Heaven getting things in order.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Silas Eastridge and Letha Mae Eastridge; a sister, Rita Sanders; and a brother, Paul O. Eastridge.

Survivors include: his loving wife of 52 years, Veda F. “Vee” Eastridge of Picayune; one daughter and son-in-law, Shelia and Larry Ashley of Madison, Miss.; a son, Dana Eastridge of Leesville, La.; and son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Keely Eastridge of Picayune. He was most proud to be the “Papa” of seven grandsons, Clay and Jordan Eastridge, Larry and Lucas Ashley, Micah, Ryan and Aaron Eastridge. He is also survived by one brother, Donald and wife, Rachel, Eastridge of Meridian, Miss.; a sister, Jettie and husband, Ronnie Williams of Orange Beach, Ala.; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Sunday, February 1, 2009 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at McDonald Funeral Home, also on Monday, February 2, 2009 at 1 p.m. at Union Baptist Church. Funeral services will be Monday, February 2, 2009 at 1 p.m. at Union Baptist Church. Officiating at the service will be the Rev. Buddy Sheriff, the Rev. G.A. McCoy, the Rev. Shad Kennedy, and son, the Rev. Jim Eastridge.

Burial will be in the Caesar Cemetery.

Obituary, register book, and driving directions can be found on the internet page, www.mcdonaldfh.com.