RAYMOND — Thomas Perley Eldridge, 68, passed away on July 24, 2012, surrounded by his loving family in his own home by beautiful Sebago Lake.

Tom was born on Oct. 22, 1943, in Wolfeboro, N.H., the son of the late Carroll and Dorothy (Prokey) Eldridge. He was active in sports from the first time he put on his Little League uniform. He was a football and track star during his high school years. His schoolboy 100-yard dash set a state record of 9.8, which was not broken for 10 years.

After graduating from Thornton Academy, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served from 1964 to 1967. He earned the rank of Spec. 5 and was awarded many medals for sharpshooting.

Tom married Linda Matthews on Oct. 18, 1968. Together, they raised two lovely daughters, Christine Mona and Wendy Rae Eldridge.

Tom was raised on Feb. 5, 1971, in Corner Stone Lodge of Masons #216. He was a Past Patron of the Corner Stone Chapter #193 Order of Eastern Star, and served two terms in the East. As a member of the Kora Temple Shrine, he enjoyed and loved his time as “Sunny” the clown. He especially loved children from newborn to 100 and was known to stop a parade just to give a special hug on the sidelines.

Tom spent many years in the RV industry. He was co-owner and service manager of Riverside Trailer and Winnebago until 1991. He then became owner of “Tom’s R.V. Service,” a mobile service unit that he drove to the repair site. He was asked to share his knowledge of RVs many times through seminars set up for the RVers. Tom loved his work and all the people he met and worked with. Most recently, he worked for Kris-Way truck leasing until he retired in 2011 due to illness.

Tom loved to travel and took his family on many adventures including camping trips. He loved to plan a trip once a year. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting camp in the fall, snowmobile and cross-country skiing in the winter, fishing in the spring and boating and water skiing in the summer. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and loving attitude by family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Tom touched many hearts and was known for giving the greatest hugs.

Family members include his wife, Linda; his daughters, Christine Plummer and Wendy Woodman, both of Raymond; a brother, Gordon Eldridge of Lake Alfred, Fla.; a sister, Priscilla Clough of Concord, N.C.; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins and his special aunt.

A celebration of Tom’s life was held on Saturday, July 28, 2012, at the Raymond Village Community Church, Main Street, Raymond. For online condolences, please visit www.dolbyfuneralchapels.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, care of Kora Shrine Temple, 11 Sabattus St., Lewiston, ME 04240.