Basil Neal Eldridge died Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011, at his home. He was 73.

Mr. Eldridge was born in Bastrop, La. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from Louisiana Tech University in 1961. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving as a first lieutenant from March 1961 until March 1964. He was known for his optimistic attitude and kind, non-judgmental friendship. He was also known as a “scratch” golfer and avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He managed chemical plants and was very successful as a self-employed salesman.

Survivors include his wife, Martha Gremillion Eldridge of Vicksburg; two sons, Don Joseph Eldridge and daughter-in-law Melissa Abel Eldridge of Vicksburg and Christopher Neal Eldridge and daughter-in-law Stephanie Warren Eldridge of Hernando; one daughter, Lisa Eldridge Wilkinson and son-in-law Jerry Wilkinson of Spring, Texas; eight grandchildren, Hannah, Olivia and Gloria Jones, Lindsey, Lauren and Leah Eldridge and Brooke and Mary Grace Stanford.

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery with Minister Chaz Bosarge officiating. Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday and from 1 p.m. Wednesday until the service at Glenwood Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Tony Keen, Jerry Wilkinson, Dr. Lee Giffin, Daniel Marble, Richard Marble and Ronnie Clark.