Billy Joe Eastridge

Billy Joe Eastridge, age 73, of Piney Flats, TN passed away peacefully on Friday, August 20, 2021 at The Wexford House in Kingsport TN. Billy was born May 12, 1948 in Lebanon, Va. to the late Thomas Matthew and Bernice Henderson Eastridge. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his Brothers: Samuel "Doc" Eastridge, Burton "Burt" Eastridge, Thomas Egbert Eastridge his Sisters: Trula Woods, Etta Hess, Virginia Phillips and Mary Eastridge, Nieces: Lynn Phillips and Betty Ibarreche and his Great Granddaughter: Aaliyah Rain "Jellybean" Outterbridge. Billy Joe was a unique person. Out of the 9 children he was the only one born in a hospital and the only breach birth. At an early age Billy had to travel to Shriners. They operated on his hips, knees and ankles. He was in a body cast for a year. Although he wasn't able to walk for many years very well. He was not going to be left out. When his dad and sisters were putting up hay, he was sitting on the wagon driving the team. Billy Joe was in the 1st graduating class of Sullivan East High in 1968. While in school he worked part time at a slaughter house. Then after graduation he worked as a building maintenance supervisor in Washington DC. He got his CDL;s and started driving18 wheeler for several years. His handle was "Titanic", because he was unstopable. He drove for the Mason Dixon Trucking Company and then started driving for the James H. Drew Expeditions. While with the James H. Drew carnival he operated the Merry-go-round and the Skee Ball machine. Now you may ask how does someone with his handicap drive and 18 wheeler? Billy's hips, legs, knees and ankles wouldn't bend very much and he had to learn how to adjust. He built up his upper body strength and he would use his arms to pull himself up in the cab of his truck. He would push his seat all the way back in order to drive. Billy Joe enjoyed many things growing up and as an adult. He was an excellent swimmer, he loved fishing, cooking, shooting pool, shooting guns, throwing knives, collecting knives and odd weapons such as a blow dart gun. He loved shooting pool, you might even say he was a "pool shark". Many people underestimated his abilities due to his disability but they would soon find out that he didn't consider his physical body a disability but a challenge to overcome. He played in many pool tournaments. He also enjoyed playing cards which a lot of times turned into all nighters. He enjoyed long drives ,exploring" and sight-seeing. He could get you lost in your own backyard. He liked country music and enjoyed listening to the Gaithers. His favorite food was soup beans and cornbread. He was a bit of a prankster all his life. He was the 1st person I saw cut a chicken's head off and the chicken didn't die right away, it chased me! He and his buddies enjoyed jumping off of bridges just to scare people driving across the bridge. He was good friends of Andrea' The Giant and Gene Malcum with the Wrestling federation. He had a full blooded German Shepherd "King '' they were both loyal companions to each other. He was a simple man who enjoyed simple things. He loved the adventure of life! He was a big lovable teddy bear unless you messed with his family and friends then he was your worst nightmare. Never a dull moment! He is survived by his daughter: Janelle Browning, grandchildren: Nicholas and Patrick Outterbridge and Kaitlin Outterbridge Forbes. Son: Anthony Eastridge, sister: Nellie "Dean" Browning, niece: Theresa Garland, nephews: Larry Woods, Jim and Gene "Yogi" Hess. Great Nieces and Nephews: Matthew and Adam McMillan, Angel Vereen, Sam and Casey Woods, Kevin and Amy Hess. Great-Great niece and nephew: Carmelli Hess, Israel and Miracle Vereen. In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the Shriners in Billy Joe's name. Due to COVID and Billy Joe's last request the family will be having a private gathering in his honor.

Billy Joe Eastridge

May 12, 1948 - August 20, 2021

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Billy Joe Eastridge

May 12, 1948 - August 20, 2021

Obituary Notification

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About Us

Grief & Healing

What We Do

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