Dr. Frank Eldridge, a beloved and dedicated pediatrician in Chattanooga for over five decades, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, at the age of 85 after a brief illness.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert R. and Margaret Cook Eldridge. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Temple Smartt Eldridge; his children, John (Corrie) Eldridge and Mary Eldridge George; four cherished grandsons, Joseph Eldridge, Polk Eldridge, Robert George, and William George; his brother Jim (Catherine) Eldridge; and several nieces and nephews.

Frank was born on November 17, 1940, at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga. After the death of his parents in a tragic auto accident Frank and his brother Jim lived with their Aunt and Uncle Horace Collins in Chattanooga Valley. They later resided with their Aunt and Uncle Clark in Denver, Colorado, where Frank graduated from East High School in 1958.

During his time in Denver, Frank's adventurous spirit was nurtured through his involvement in the Boy Scouts, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1953. He also spent several years in the Sea Scouts, achieving the prestigious rank of Quartermaster.

After returning to Chattanooga, Frank attended the University of Chattanooga, graduating in 1962. At UC, he was an active leader—serving as a cheerleader, an officer in Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, a member of Blue Key, President of his Senior Class, and was voted Bachelor of Ugliness.

He continued his education at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, where he graduated with his M.D. in 1966. He completed his internship and pediatric residency at Erlanger Hospital under the mentorship of Dr. Hassein Massoud.

From 1969 to 1971, Frank served as a Major in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, stationed in Korea and at Fort Eustis in Virginia.

In 1971, Frank returned to Chattanooga and joined the Highland Pediatric Clinic in Hixson, Tennessee, where he would serve the children and families of the Chattanooga area for 50 years. He retired in 2021, having touched countless lives. During his career, he was an integral part of Erlanger Hospital, serving on various committees and as a Chief of Pediatrics at TC Thompson Children's Hospital.

Frank was deeply committed to his faith, his community, and his family. He and Temple married in August 1966 at her family's home in Chattanooga Valley. Frank's faith was central to his life, and he spent over 30 years leading a Junior High Sunday School class at First Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga. He also served as a deacon, elder, and adult Sunday School leader.

In addition to his medical practice, Frank served on the boards of several organizations, including Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru), Bethany Christian Services, and Bible in the Public Schools. He was also deeply involved in the Chattanooga community through various philanthropic efforts.

Frank cherished time spent with his family, particularly during vacations to the Smoky Mountains, South Carolina beaches, and the western United States. He enjoyed the quiet rhythm of farm life at his home in Flintstone, Georgia, where he could often be found tending to farm chores.

Though he is no longer with us, we find comfort in the knowledge that Frank is now in the presence of his Savior, hearing those words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

The family will hold a private committal service.

The family will receive friends from 12 ~ 1:15 PM Friday, March 6, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Chattanooga, 554 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37402, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 1:30 PM with Pastor Ron Brown officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Cru or Bible in the Public Schools. https://www.chattanoogacru.com/ or https://bibleintheschools.com/

To share your memories of Dr. Eldridge, please visit https://www.hamiltonfhofchattanooga.com/obituary/dr-frank-eldridge

Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN 37343, (423) 531-3975.