John F. Ridley

John F. Ridley, 84, of Lake Lure, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 26. 2025. Born on September 6, 1940, in Rutherford County, he was predeceased by his Father Ira Ridley and his mother, Mary Conner Ridley. John was a proud native of the area and a beloved member of the Lake Lure community, where he lived for many years. He was a faithful member of Shingle Hollow Congregational Holiness Church.

John was a man who had a deep love for the Lord. He also dearly missed his cherished wife, Edith, who preceded him in death in March 2024. Their bond was profound, and her passing left a void in his heart that he carried until the end. John’s warmth, kindness, and steadfast presence touched the lives of all who knew him.

He is survived by his son, Mike Ira Ridley; Son in Law, Johnny P Long; Grandchildren, Dustin Long(Yvette) and Jennifer Long Shelton(William); 5 Great Grandchildren, Emma, Spencer and Abby Long, Carter and Camryn Shelton. And, importantly, his final campanion in life, his Granddaughter in Law Yvette Long, cared for and loved him until his final breath creating an everlasting bond between the two of them that she will remember forever. Thank you, Yvette, for loving and caring for John in his time of need.

He had a wide circle of friends and neighbors who would remember him fondly. John’s legacy of love and loyalty will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 5th, 2025, at 2:30p.m. in the Beam Celebration Center with Rev. Marty Conner officiating. Burial will follow at Montford Cove Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:30 p.m. We encourage all to wear overalls or casual wear for the service to celebrate John's love of overalls! Rest in peace, John, reunited with your beloved wife.