Joseph Keith Eskridge, Sr. was born March 16, 1957 in Harriman. He was the last of six children born to the late J.C. and Lillian Eskridge and raised by John and Alma Eskridge. He passed away September 6, 2020.

Joe was a leader and a mentor to all in Roane County. Many remember him for his joyful smile and jolly demeanor. He retired early from Watts Bar Nuclear Plant in 2012. He was a proud member of the NAACP. For 22 years, he proudly served as the President of the Roane County Branch. More recently, he was elected as Tennessee State Vice President. He was active in many churches and served as a deacon at his home church. He was associated with countless organizations and served on many boards throughout the county and state.

In addition to both sets of parents, he is preceded in death by his father-in-law: David Bertram; and his special cousin: James Miles.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife: Damita Eskridge; children: Joseph (Sonia) Eskridge Jr, Tiara Eskridge, Tiffany (Antwon) Eskridge-Bell;  grandchildren: Shabre’ Eskridge, Makaiya Eskridge, Izaiah Bell, Caydence Eskridge, and Miles Bell; siblings: Jerry (Evelyn) Eskridge, Dr. Joyce Hardaway of Chattanooga,  John (Chris) Eskridge of Riverview, Florida, Jeffery (Anita) Eskridge of Lorton, Virginia,  and Janet Eskridge; mother-in-law: Patricia Bertram; best friend: Eddie Hill; special friends: Tavi Beard, Vincent Martin, James “Buster” Robinson, and Pastor Hall; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. The family will receive friends Sunday, September 13, 2020 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Harriman High School Gymnasium located at 920 N Roane St. Harriman, TN 37748. Funeral service will follow. Graveside and interment services will follow in the Roane Memorial Gardens in Rockwood. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Greenwood School Education Foundation at P.O. Box 1656 Harriman, TN 37748.