Edward Akridge

Edward "Eddy" Henry Akridge, 82, of Las Vegas, passed away July 25, 2011. He was born Jan. 8, 1929, in Pampa, Texas, and was a 41-year resident of Nevada. Eddy was a four-time World Champion Bareback Rider during the late 40's and early 60's, winning World Championships in '53, '54, '55 and '61. He was included with the inaugural class of the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo. in 1979, and inducted to the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City in 1999. During his rodeo career, Eddy was a recording artist for Capital Records and had a Top 40 hit with the song, "One a Day Multiple Heartache." After moving to Las Vegas in 1970, he was employed with the Las Vegas Sun newspaper and then began a career in the casino industry as a baccarat dealer, then later a casino host for over 15 years with the Golden Nugget, Frontier and Sahara Hotels. While employed as a casino host, Eddy headlined at numerous hotels such as the Hilton, Stardust, Desert Inn, Tropicana and Hacienda Hotels with his "Gold Buckle Band." After retiring from the casino industry in the mid-90's, Eddy worked at numerous golf courses, such as Angle Park, SilverStone, Piaute Golf Resort and finally at Sienna Golf Club working as a counter jockey. He was affectionately known as "Junior." Eddy was preceded in death by his sons, Edward Akridge Jr. of Midland, Texas, in 1986 and Corky Neal Akridge of Las Vegas, in 1988; and granddaughter, Danielle Johnson of Midland. Eddy is survived by his wife, of 48 years, Lila Akridge; daughter, Danna Miller of Magnolia, Texas; son, Dale Ray Akridge of Henderson; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 28, at The Crossing Christian Church, 7950 W. Windmill Lane. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the Justin Boots Cowboy Crisis Fund, www.justincowboycrisisfund.org