Etheridge Joel Smoots, born to the late Annabelle and Robert Smoots on December  1, 1950 in Canton, Ohio , went to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 24, 2019 in Winston Salem, North Carolina.  Etheridge was the youngest of eight brothers and two sisters.

Etheridge attended Martin Elementary School, Timken High School and Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.  He was employed by Ford Motor Company and worked as a skilled machinist for 33 years and was a major Union member of UAW.   resided in Winston Salem, North Carolina for the last 12 years of his life and was a faithful member of Union Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Sir Walter Mack, Jr.  Etheridge loved the Lord and was a loyal member of the MEN OF VALOR all Male Chorus.  He loved singing at many different churches all over North Carolina.  Their Male Chorus was well received and abundantly requested for repeat performances throughout the State.  They had many faithful followers that would be at every             appearance he called them his "Fan Club of Groupies"  All to the Glory of God…

Etheridge was a diehard fan of the EVER losing CLEVELAND BROWNS!!!  He wore his Browns gear proudly  and had plenty of FEEDBACK for all the NAYSAYERS!  He would always say "Wait til NEXT YEAR".  He loved all the northern Ohio teams including the Cavaliers with and without LeBron, although  much better WITH LeBron!

In addition his parents Etheridge is preceded in death by is parents Annabelle and  Robert Smoots; all of his brothers, Shelly of Detroit, MI, Sam of Canton, OH, Elijah of Washington, D.C., Woody of Canton, OH, Jimmy of Indianapolis, IN, Jerry of Detroit, MI, Eddie of Canton,OH, Dwayne of Canton, OH.

He leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife Doris; her daughter, Rhonda (Derrick) Weems; (3) grandchildren, Makari, Averie and Aiden Weems; (2) sisters, Lucinda Bridges and Carol Kennedy as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.