He was born January 22, 1931, to Moody Whittford Brock and Agnes Burgess Brock in Harnett County, NC.

He was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Rebecca "Beckie" Howell Brock.

Eldridge grew up near Bunnlevel, NC, south of Lillington. He was a 1949 graduate of Lillington High School. He attended Harmony Baptist Church and made a profession of faith at thirteen. His commitment to his faith was his focus throughout his life.

He attended North Carolina State College, now University, earning a degree in agronomy in 1952. He and his wife Beckie were married in his senior year.

Eldridge was active in the Army Reserve Officers Training Corp program and upon graduation was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was called to active duty in July of 1953, at Fort Benning, in Georgia. Eldridge served first as an Infantry Officer and later in the Transportation Corps. In 1954, he graduated from Army Pilot Training and was assigned to West Germany.

He became an instructor pilot, and instrument flying instructor, as well as an instrument examiner. He held multi-engine ratings in fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Eldridge was qualified as first pilot in over twenty different types of airplanes and helicopters.During his service, Eldridge logged almost 5,000 flying hours. He achieved the distinction of attaining the rating of Master Army Aviator, the highest rating given to Army pilots.

He was privileged to serve for more than 5 years with the Army Aviation Test Board as a Developmental Test Pilot and Instructor Pilot and running the Army's acceptance test for the CH-54 Flying Crane, heavy lift helicopter used today by many firefighting teams. He later commanded a Flying Crane company in Vietnam.

Eldridge was a decorated veteran, receiving a Bronze Star Medal, with a "V" for valor, Meritorious Service Medals, fourteen Air Medal awards, Army of Occupation Medal for his service in West Germany and Vietnam Service Medals to name a few. He served two combat tours, in Vietnam logging 798 hours of combat support flying, two European tours and had numerous stateside assignments.

He obtained a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Auburn while serving and his military schooling included the US Air Force Air Command and Staff College. He also served as a staff officer at Headquarters, US European Command.

He retired from the United States Army in 1975, with the rank of Lt. Col. after 22 years of active duty, while stationed at Fort Lee, near Petersburg, VA. After leaving the service, he and his family remained in residence in Chester, VA.