Aldridge, Thomas Frederick of Greenville, South Carolina, beloved husband of Jean Reid Aldridge for 51 years, passed away March 20, 2011 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. He was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1936. Tom was the devoted father to Jean Aldridge Jones, Thomas Frederick Aldridge II (wife Kathy), and Robert Hamilton Aldridge (wife Sherrie). Tom was blessed with seven wonderful grandchildren; Jean Marie Jones, Reid Jones, Tori Aldridge, Tina Aldridge, Rachel Aldridge, Victoria Jones, and Will Aldridge. In addition, Tom has one brother, Hamilton (Rusty) Aldridge. Tom was preceded by his parents, Delores and Hamilton, and a sister, Patricia Aldridge Kipfmueller. Tom was owner and President of Springfield Tool and Die, Inc., of Duncan, S.C., a family business started in Detroit by his grandfather in 1927. He was a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church and of Knights and Columbus Council 9184. Tom was a true Renaissance man with many many interests. He loved working on cars and built a Bugatti kit-car. He was musically talented and especially enjoyed playing the banjo; several of which he made. He was an avid antiques tool collector and a member of the Mid-West Antique Toll Collectors Association. Tom also loved woodworking and made several lovely pieces of furniture as well as the mantle in his home. Tom loved the water and always had a boat of some kind. Tom and Jean loved to travel and were fortunate to have visited most areas of the world. Tom had many loves and interests but his love for vamily was always the most important. He was the best husband, father, and grandfather there could be.
