Charles " Charlie" Melvin Eldridge was born on December 26, 1947 in Dorsey MD to the late Mildred Simms and the late Irving "Jitter" Eldridge, he was also raised by his step- father the late Leon Cooper. He transitioned from this life to be in the Lord's presence on Sunday, June 16, 2024. Charles was educated in the Anne Arundel County Public School System.

He started working at an early age to help his mother provide for the family. He landed a contract with the Martin potato bread company that led him to open his own business, which he operated until July of 1995 when he moved to Marshville, North Carolina. He returned to Maryland and worked for Eldridge Enterprises for several years, part time for Safeway and his most recent employer BWI Logistics where he enjoyed spending his time. In his earlier years he was a member of St. Mark UMC in Dorsey, Maryland.

He moved to his wife's hometown Marshville, North Carolina where he attended Robinson Chapel AME Zion Church. After returning to Maryland, he and his wife joined Elkridge Christian Community Church in Elkridge, MD where he served on the usher board, men's choir and security team which he did with pride. He loved playing softball, bowling in a league,traveling and cookouts in "the bottom" with his family and friends. Charles met the love of his life Barbara Ann Ashcraft. They joined in holy matrimony on October 26, 1996 in Monroe, NC.

He was preceded in death by his parents Irving "Jitter" Eldridge, Mildred Cooper and Leon Cooper. One grandson Demetrius Steele who passed away after him. Charles leaves to cherish his memory a devoted wife of 27 years Barbara Eldridge. They had a combined family of four children: Danielle Deloatch Towanda Steele , Dava Kemp and Wendell Robinson.His sisters Geraldine Hebron, Vondalee Ryan, and brother Leon "Puncho" Cooper. Grandchildren: Dawnielle Herbert, Marquise Brooking, Derek Deloatch Jr, Chante' Steele, Eboney Steele, Jamall Steele, Anthony "Marck'' Faulkner Jr, Dai'JauhKemp, Ashanti Griffin, Malaya Griffin and Dallas Robinson. Great Grandchildren: Masen Brooking, Skylar Brooking, Chloé Herbert , Ariyhana Waters, Amore Eldridge, Kayla Williams, Alaye Steele, Jamori Steele, Kennedy Williams, Mason Steele, Aeniko Steele, Kenzo Steele,Amaris Taylor and Lennox Faulkner. Host of nieces and nephews and cousins . His special cousins Donald Eldridge and Hoyte Carelock III.