Paul Vernon Ridgeway died at age 78 on Monday morning, January 9, 2017, at Athens-Limestone Hospital. He passed peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by family.
Paul was born in Limestone County on April 6, 1938, a son of Charles and Leona Ridgeway. He graduated from West Limestone High School in 1956 and was captain of their state championship winning basketball team. After high school, Paul married his high school sweetheart, Sylvia Cribbs Ridgeway. They just celebrated their 60th anniversary.
Paul started working at Chemstrand immediately after graduation. Years later, he began working for Prestolite Corporation as a plant engineer and maintenance/facilities manager for 19 years. Paul went on to work briefly for General Motors of Decatur as head of their maintenance and facilities. After leaving GM, Paul purchased Frazier Electric, which he owned for 10 years. He sold the company to Southern Electric/Rexel Southern where he worked as the branch manager in Decatur until his retirement in 2010. Paul was also a former board member and chairman of the city of Athens Board of Education.
Paul was a devout Christian and servant of the Lord, having worshipped with Hobbs Street, Central and 7 Mile Post Road Churches of Christ.
He was preceded in death by six sisters. He leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Sylvia Cribbs Ridgeway, his brother, Mack Ridgeway of Anderson, his two sons, Gary Ridgeway of Huntsville, Terry Ridgeway of Athens, 1 daughter-in-law, Debbi Ridgeway, 5 grandchildren, Grant Ridgeway, Ashley Ridgeway Thompson, Ryn Ridgeway, Molly Ridgeway Moore and Riley Ridgeway. He will be greatly missed by his friends, family and all who knew him.
Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, January 11, 2017, from 5:00 pm- 8:00 pm, followed by a funeral service Thursday, January 12, 2017, at 10:00 am. Services will be held at Limestone Chapel.
