William G. Lothridge, 74, of Largo, passed away December 3, 2008. Survivors include his wife, Jama; three children, Randy, Jada (Greg), and Kevin (Laura); five grandchildren; and stepmother, Mary Grace.
William ”Bill” Lothridge was the second of three sons born to Lawrence and Margaret Lothridge on July 5th, 1934 at home in Milan, Indiana. On June 15th, 1951, Bill married Jama (Midlam) and shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Army and was sent to Korea. He was a member of 101st. 2nd. division airborne. As so many of young couples today, their first son Randy was born while Bill was overseas. Upon returning from the war in 1953, the young family set up housekeeping in Jama’s hometown of Redkey Indiana. Bill found work at a local bakery and became the youngest city councilman thus beginning his role as a community servant.
Bill had an entrepreneurial spirit as well and the couple bought a restaurant and hotel in Redkey to help support his growing family as daughter, Jada, was born in 1956. In 1962 the family moved to Aurora, Indiana so that Bill could work for his uncle. It was there that the couple’s third and final child Kevin was born. It did not take Bill long to be involved in the town of Aurora. He was president of the Lion’s club and chairman of the Aurora Farmer’s Fair. He worked at Stedman’s Foundry and machine shop and then decided on a new venture selling cars. Bill Lothridge Dodge, “the best deals on wheels” was founded in 1969. At this time Bill also helped fund sports teams, sponsored boy scout troops and supplied cars for Drivers training. He became a member of the Board of Directors of Dearborn County Hospital and served as Chairman of the board. He was also the Coroner of Dearborn County for a short time.
It became necessary for Bill to retire because of health reasons and in 1984 the couple moved to Largo Florida near a spot where they had vacationed each year. Bill did not slow down much and continued helping his fellow man all he could. He was the neighborhood fix-it man and was president of the Bay East Condo association for 20 years. He was a member of the St. Paul United Methodist Church and a 50 year veteran of the Korean war. His family, however, was his biggest love and he spent quality time with his children and grandchildren. Bill enjoyed fishing and going with his wife Jama on many cruises and trips during their 57 year marriage.
“When your loved one becomes a memory, that memory becomes your greatest treasure.” Bill Lothridge is truly his family’s greatest treasure.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11am on Saturday, December 6th at
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the American Heart or Lung Association or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Veterans Funeral Care, 15381 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760.
