Jesse Hilton Baldridge, more commonly known as "Boppy," entered his eternal home with Jesus on August 30, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on June 12, 1938, in Lexington, Kentucky, Boppy lived a life marked by faith, service, and unconditional love for others.

Jesse faithfully served his community through a wide variety of roles, most notably as Recreation and Activity Director at Shriners Hospital, U.S. Postal Worker for nearly 30 years, and Chaplain and Activity & Volunteer Director at Mayfair Manor Nursing Home for 42 years. He loved his work at Mayfair so much that the family joked they might not let him leave—since he was the same age as the patients.

Boppy wore many hats — literally and figuratively. He was a Scoutmaster, Royal Ambassadors leader, youth minister, senior adult program founder, Big Brother mentor, Good News Club volunteer, and faithful encourager through his Greeting Card Ministry. He wrote dozens of letters every week to family, friends, and strangers alike, offering encouragement and hope. He loved people of all ages, serving in children's ministries all the way through senior adult programs. And while he always held a job — often more than one — ministry was his first priority. He lived as a bi-vocational minister or volunteer at all times, pouring his energy into loving people and pointing them to Jesus. Many people even described him as a substitute father — offering steady love, guidance, and presence in ways that only Boppy could.

Boppy found joy in simple pleasures: attending UK games with his eldest son David, trading uncensored jokes with his middle daughter Betty, and yelling at the Reds and Bengals alongside his youngest son Danny. He had a knack for nicknames, a love for milkshakes, and an endless supply of words for anyone lucky enough to be in his circle. And while he was a man of many words, he always left you feeling heard.

Jesse was already well known by Lexington funeral homes, having officiated or attended hundreds of funerals through the years. He was known for his heart to encourage people in their darkest moments — and, in true Boppy fashion, he even looked forward to planning his own. He often said he wanted his funeral to be a celebration, confident that his beloved late wife, Violet ("Nunny"), and his Lord were waiting for him.

Boppy adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him endless joy. He was known for spoiling his granddaughter Jordan — once even spending his lunch breaks as a school bus driver to bring her fast food and share daily devotionals at Henry Clay High School, where he himself had once been a student. He treated his grandson Banks to regular movie outings and became famous for talking the ears off Hayes and his friends during car rides. His great-grandchildren — Kayden, Eli, and Zander — were his delight, and he never missed a chance to make them laugh, cheer them on, or slip them a $5 bill.

For all the ways Boppy served his community, he often said one of the greatest lessons he learned was that while he was called to love and serve others, his family was his first calling. He loved his family well, and that legacy is one of his greatest gifts to those he leaves behind.

The son of the late Roy Baldridge and Virginia Muriel Baldridge, Boppy grew up in Lexington, where he attended Asbury College and Azusa College before beginning a lifetime of work and ministry. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Violet Louise Reid Baldridge ("Nunny"); his siblings, Bob Baldridge, Roy Ronald Baldridge, and Judith Ann Baldridge; and his parents, Roy and Virginia Baldridge. He is survived by his children: David Baldridge, Betty Cornett (Nathan), and Roy Dan Baldridge, all of Lexington; his grandchildren: Jordan Sok, Banks, and Hayes Cornett; and his great-grandchildren: Kayden, Eli, and Zander Sok. He is also survived by his sister, Virginia Gail Southworth (Joe), and his brother, Kelly Baldridge, along with many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will cherish his memory.

• Visitation will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church on Friday, September 5, from 4–8 p.m.

• The funeral service will take place on Saturday, September 6, at 10 a.m.

Following the service, all are invited to stay for a meal and a time of laughter, stories, and memories — just as Boppy wanted. For those who wish, we will continue together to the gravesite at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Boppy's memory to:

• Immanuel Baptist Church Homebound Ministry (Baldridge Memorial Gift, 3100 Tates Creek Road, Lexington, KY 40502)

• Central Kentucky Network of Baptists (Irishtown Ministry) (In Memory of Jesse Baldridge, 2261 Armstrong Mill Rd, Lexington, KY 40515)

Immanuel Baptist Church Homebound Ministry ( Baldridge Memorial Gift)
3100 Tates Creek Road, Lexington KY 40502
Web: https://www.ibc.family/