Jesse Dodson Ridgeway, Jr.

JESSE D. RIDGEWAY JR. STAUNTON, VA Mr. Jesse D. Ridgeway, Jr., 97, of Staunton, died January 21, 2015. He was born Jan. 9, 1918, in South Boston, Va., the son of the late Jesse D. and Melissa Pollard Ridgeway. Following high school, Mr. Ridgeway entered Hampden Sydney College where he was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. After graduating from college, Mr. Ridgeway taught at Staunton Military Academy from 1942-1947 and then at Wilson Memorial High School from 1947-1979. He taught general science, physics, and chemistry. He is believed to be the last surviving member of the original 1947 faculty. Mr. Ridgeway was always known for his sense of humor and his love of teaching. He was an avid gardener and maintained a large garden most of the years of his life, gladly sharing the vegetables from his garden with friends and family. Mr. Ridgeway loved Big Band music and had a record collection numbering in the thousands. He was a member of Linden Heights Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, taught Sunday school, and sang in the choir. Mr. Ridgeway was preceded in death by a brother, Richard, a sister, Oza Ridgeway Bradshaw, and a daughter, Lissie Ridgeway Driver. He is survived by his wife, Margaret, and four children. His children and their spouses are David Driver, Lissie's husband, daughters Donna Yonce and husband Richard, Carol Ridgeway, Kathy Blackwell and husband James, and son, Jerry Ridgeway and wife Kathy. In addition, Mr. Ridgeway is survived by thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to Linden Heights Baptist Church. The family will receive friends at Memorial Baptist Church Thursday evening from 7 until 9 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Memorial Baptist Church, Friday morning at 10 a.m. A private burial will follow the funeral service at Lebanon Church of the Brethren Cemetery. Henry Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.