Sam Wall
editor@ourvalley.org
For the last 11 years of his life, Bill Aldridge worked as a building inspector for the Town of Christiansburg, but he is remembered by those that knew him for much more than that.
Christiansburg Mayor Michael Barber said he had known Aldridge for more than 40 years.
“He did a lot for people in this town,” he said. “He had a good sense of humor, and a heart as big as Texas. He would do anything he could to help you.”
Prior to working for the town, Aldridge, 59, spent 12 years as the proprietor of Little River Contracting and had a partnership with this father, Bill Sr., at The Furniture Market in downtown Christiansburg.
“Bill was loved dearly here at the Town, and he was also greatly respected in the community. He was an advocate for Christiansburg – always looking for ways to make our town better. He helped launch the Christiansburg Farmers’ Market because he wanted a place downtown where the community could gather, eat good food and listen to live music – one of his favorite activities,” read a Facebook post from the town.
Barber said that Aldridge was a big hit with Auburn High School sports fans as he was the announcer for the basketball and volleyball teams.
“He never said anyone was six feet tall. He would always announce they were 5’12”, and you could see some people looking around confused,” he joked.
Many people who shared their condolences on the town’s Facebook page (172 to be exact) noted Aldridge’s sense of humor and his sheer kindness to everyone he came into contact with.
“He never missed the opportunity to celebrate special occasions in his signature way. By filling your office with balloons, leaving trails of jelly beans down the hall or sending a beautifully crafted card, Bill knew how to make you feel special. He was the first to take you to lunch on your birthday – and pay for it – and was always there to celebrate your small victories and to lend a hand in times of struggle. Even with smaller, seemingly mundane problems, Bill was your guy. When he overheard you talking about your broken fridge, he’d head over to your house after work and fix it. Heck, he’d say, it’ll only take half a beer to get it done. He greeted his coworkers, whom he treated like family, with secret handshakes, hugs and peace signs,” read the town’s Facebook page.
Aldridge passed away at his home on the morning of Aug. 16 from a heart attack. The family received friends on Saturday at Billy’s home court at Auburn High School gymnasium.
A funeral service was held Sunday at Snowville Christian Church.
