Fred Aquilla Aldridge (USN, Ret.)

Fred A. Aldridge, 98, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, died Wednesday, June 8, 2016. His Funeral Service will be held Saturday, June 11, 2016 in the Mt. Pleasant Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, 1308 Mathis Ferry Road at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends Friday, June 10, 2016 in J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Fred was born February 14, 1918 in Oriental, North Carolina, son of the late William C. Aldridge and the late Stella Griffin Aldridge. He enlisted in the United States Navy in September 1935. Fred and his younger brother, Elwood, were stationed on the USS Helena in Pearl Harbor. Elwood was killed in the attack on December 7, 1941 and Fred received a Purple Heart due to his injuries. Fred served during World War II and received numerous medals for his heroism. On March 1, 1966, he retired as a CWO4 after 31 years in the US Navy. He then worked as an electrical foreman for the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Hospital for over 20 years. Fred was a life member of the Charleston Elks Lodge #242 and a member of the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA).

He is survived by his son, Fred Leonard Aldridge, wife Carol, of Mount Pleasant, SC; daughter, Kathleen Aldridge Strock, husband McClain, of Bonneau, SC; three grandchildren, Kristin Strock Thomas, Derek Strock and Devin Strock; five great grandchildren, Lane, Keelyn, Dailyn, Lawson and Austin; and long time friend, Rose R. Hilton.

The family would like to thank Patriot Hospice and Veteran's Victory House for the wonderful care given to Mr. Aldridge.

Flowers accepted or memorials may be made to Veteran's Victory House, 2461 Sidneys Road, Walterboro, SC 29488.