Ricky Ray Eldredge's Obituary
Ricky Ray Eldredge, 75, of Terrell, Texas, passed away on December 15, 2025, due to complications of Parkinson’s disease. His loving wife Karen and daughter Sarah were by his side.
Born on January 4, 1950, in Kansas City, Missouri, he was the son of Cloyce Ray (Buddy) and Doloris Eldredge. He graduated from Bryan Adams High School in Dallas. During his career with Southwestern Bell Telephone/AT&T, he had the unique experience of working for 18 months on a US Military base in Alaska. He retired as an Engineering Area Manager with AT&T in 2001.
He loved spending time with his dear friends of 60 plus years, Rik Timmons (Shelley), Ron Tiemann (Barb), and Tracy McFadin. Skilled at working with his hands, he and some of his friends built his first home, and later in retirement, a cabin in Big Rock (Eustace) Texas.
Rick was an avid runner for many years, braving all the elements, sweltering or freezing. His love for the outdoors kept him hiking, backpacking, camping and kayaking with his wife Karen and all their friends. Many weekends and vacations were spent at the cabin enjoying the great outdoors and fellowship with friends and family. He was an accomplished ballroom, tap and country western dancer. As a movie buff, Rick could quote lines from all his favorites.
His passion was westerns; however he could never pass up a good action movie! He and his daughter Sarah had a special bond over the TV show Mr. Ed, binge-watching the entire series.
He had a special place in his heart for his nieces, nephews and granddaughters. He endured (and enjoyed!) many sleepovers and birthday parties with the grand girls over the years.
Rick also had a passion for animals. The SPCA of Dallas and Second Chance SPCA was close to his heart. He spent many years volunteering for both organizations; building kennels, working events and fostering dogs (a few of which he adopted!).
Rick was preceded in death by his parents Buddy and Doloris Eldredge; his sister, Cheryl Lynn (Sherry) Stegall; daughter Jennifer Shedd; and son, Matt Freeman.
He is survived by his wife Karen, daughter Sarah Tolbert and son-in-law Tom, his grandchildren Cora, Emma, Haley, Riley, Taylor and Meredith; sister Kathy Short and her children Todd and David with their families, sister Pattie Buikema and her husband Chuck; brother David Gatz, his wife Karen and his children Chris and Collin with their families; Gina Eldredge and her children
Maggie and Hannah with their families; brother-in-law Jimmy Stegall; brother-in-law Danny Zaloudik and wife LuAnn; brother-in-law Neal Zaloudik, wife Tena and their children with their families; and former wife and cherished friend Patsy Eldredge.
Rick leaves behind a legacy of love for his family, a full life filled with life-long friends, and a caring spirit. The family gives special thanks to Trinity Hospice for their loving care during his final days.
Please send any memorials to the Parkinson’s Voice Project of Dallas, the Parkinson’s Foundation, or the SPCA of Dallas.
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