John G. Etheridge, (J.G) M.D.

John G. Etheridge, 82, died on December 7, 2014, of complications following an accident earlier in the week. A lifelong resident of Macon, Georgia, Dr. Etheridge was the son of the late Hubert Calvin Etheridge and the late Mary Lee Aultman Etheridge. He had perfect attendance at Charles H. Bruce Elementary School. He was valedictorian and class president of Lanier High School's Class of 1950. He worked throughout high school and college in the family-owned grocery store, the "B-Thrifty" on Houston Road. J.G. graduated Summa Cum Laude from Mercer University, then earned his M.D. from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. He was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society and was recognized by his peers through the Physician Cadaver Award. An internship at the Macon Hospital was followed by service to his country, as General Medical Officer in the United States Army stationed in Fort Hood, Texas. After his residency in pathology at the Medical College of Georgia, he joined the late Dr. Joseph Eversole and Dr. Robert Donner in establishing the Ocmulgee Medical Pathology Associates, P.A. (OMPAPA). The practice grew to twelve physicians, serving all area hospitals. He served as Laboratory Director for ten years at Medical Center of Central GA (MCCG), where he also served as acting Medical Director and Chief of Staff in 1981. From 1982 to 2000, he was pivotal in developing the relationships between the newly established Mercer University School of Medicine and both MCCG and OMPAPA. He served as President of the Bibb County Medical Society in 1975, and as Delegate to the Medical Association of Georgia. In 2010, he was recognized by his peers in the Bibb County Medical Association as "Physician of the Year". He worked tirelessly to establish and develop the MedCen Foundation, and served on the MedCen Foundation Board of Directors as President Emeritus until his death. He is survived by the love of his life, Anita Dawn Bruce, with whom he celebrated 59 anniversaries; by their four children, Debra (Al Kulik) Etheridge, Bonnie (Mark) Smith, Bruce (Amy) Etheridge, Brian (Leighanne) Etheridge; by five grandchildren, Brad (Kerrie Caldwell) Smith, Curtis (Woori Kim, fiancée) Smith, Tyler Etheridge, Pierce Etheridge, Emma Etheridge; by his brother Lawton (Linda) Etheridge; by Rita Etheridge (sister-in-law); and by three nephews and two nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Hubert Malcolm Etheridge. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Hart's Cupola. The funeral will be on Thursday, December 11, 2014, at 2:00 pm at Vineville United Methodist Church. Burial will be private following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: Vineville United Methodist Church, 2045 Vineville Avenue, Macon GA 31201, Salvation Army P.O. Box 13386, Macon GA 31208, or Little Carnegie of the South, 1956 Forsyth Street, Macon GA 31201. Register online at www.hartsmort.com. Hart's Mortuary at The Cupola, 6324 Peake Road, has charge of arrangements.