Elidge J. Painter (E.J.), 88, of Wauchula, passed away on December 14, 2014 in Sebring. Born on May 15, 1926 in Grubbs, Arkansas, E. J. came to Florida in 1980 from Arkansas and moved from Lake Wales to Hardee County in 2001. He was a forklift mechanic at Citrus World in Lake Wales, retiring in 1991 and was a World War II veteran serving in the United States Army. E. J. was a member of Apostolic Lighthouse Church of Bowling Green.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Emma (Judy) Kelley Painter. Survivors include two sons, Kelly (Karen) Painter of Waco, TX and Jason (Danielle) Painter of Winter Haven; one daughter, Denise (Bob) Bates of Bowling Green; nine precious grandchildren and 15 precious great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at Robarts Garden Chapel at 3:00 PM. Visitation is from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM. The Reverends Bob Bates, Cody Bates, and Warren Joyce will officiate.