Eldridge Troy Westbrook

Eldridge Troy Westbrook, age 73, of Scout Road, was born on March 4, 1953, and passed away on October 13, 2026, surrounded by his children and grandchildren, in his favorite chair at his home in the Bentonville community. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Ebenezer United Methodist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Carrie Lee Farnham and Rev. Justin Powell. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:45 AM to 10:45 AM on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the church prior to the service.

Eldridge was preceded in death by his parents, Melvia and Ivan Earl Westbrook; his brothers, Lafayette Westbrook and Anthony Westbrook; and his sister, Betty Rios.

Eldridge attended Four Oaks School and graduated from South Johnston High School before attending Wayne Community College, where he earned an associate degree in agriculture. He and his brother founded and managed a successful farming operation, Westbrook Brothers, in Johnston County for over 50 years. Westbrook Brothers Farm produces row crops and operates a large poultry and hog farm.

Eldridge dedicated his life to agriculture, community service, and the people of Johnston County. Throughout his lifetime, he received numerous honors recognizing his contributions, including Young Farmer of the Year, Livestock Hall of Fame, multiple Grower of the Year awards from Goldsboro Milling Company, the Johnston County Farm-Week Committee Award for his significant contributions to the community, the North Carolina Poultry Federation Environmental Award presented by Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, and the Golden Leaf Award for his contributions to the tobacco industry. He was also honored with induction into the Johnston County Agriculture Hall of Fame.

Beyond his accomplishments in agriculture, Eldridge was deeply committed to serving others. He served as Fire Chief of the Bentonville Volunteer Fire Department, where he was honored with the Fireman of the Year Award. He also served as a member and Chairman of the AgCarolina Board and for more than 20 years on the Johnston Community College Board of Trustees. He was a longtime member of Ebenezer United Methodist Church, where he was actively involved in the life of the church. He also devoted more than 20 years to volunteering with local 4-H Livestock Shows, sharing his love of agriculture and encouraging future generations of farmers. His dedication to his community, his passion for farming, his faith, and his willingness to serve others leave a lasting legacy throughout Johnston County.

In his spare time, Eldridge enjoyed watching RFD-TV and a good Western. Above all, he loved spending time with his family and especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s activities and events. Whether cheering them on from the sidelines or simply being there to support them, he took great pride in being a part of their lives.

He is survived by his wife, Julia Westbrook; his son, Eric Westbrook, and wife Heather; his daughters, Paula Hunter and husband Brian, and Susan Westbrook; his grandchildren, Braeden and Paul Hunter, Mendy Westbrook, Chloe Zeisler, Micah Pitzen, and Eldridge “Ridge” Troy Westbrook; his sister, Geneva Cox, and husband Jimmy; his brother-in-law, Victor Rios; his nieces and nephew, Margaret Rose Westbrook, Amy Leigh Batey, and Jonathan Reece Cox; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

The Westbrook family would like to extend a special thank you to devoted friends and caregivers Amanda Mayo, William Dixon, and Alexis Cook for their care, kindness, and support. The family would also like to express their heartfelt appreciation to his longtime farm employees and friends, Juve, Velino, and Gustavo, who were more than just employees to Eldridge. Through years of working side by side, they became more like family and held a special place in his heart.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ebenezer United Methodist Church, c/o Amy Cox, 111 Scout Road, Four Oaks, NC 27524, or to the Bentonville Volunteer Fire Department, c/o James Beasley, 3167 Harper House Road, Four Oaks, NC 27524.

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home, Four Oaks.