Gary Wayne Ridge

Gary Wayne Ridge, age 74 of Black Mountain, NC passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2023 at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC.

Gary was born on September 5, 1948 in Ware Shoals, South Carolina, to the late Wayne Washington Ridge and Sarah Maggie Turner Ridge.

Gary served his country proudly for 26 years in both the United States Army and in the United States Navy where he was a torpedo technician. He earned an Associates degree in Paralegal Services, and a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics. He was self-employed and owned and operated Ridge’s Tax Service in Swannanoa, NC.

 Most of all, Gary was a hardworking man, who loved to help people whenever he could, and he loved his family dearly. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Gary enjoyed operating a ham radio, listening to all genres of music, and getting together with his buddies for lunch.

In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his son, Trevor Ridge; a brother, Warren Ridge; and two sisters, Geraldine Bagwell and Emily Smeal.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 57 years, Jo Ann Pritchard Ridge; son, Gary Wayne Ridge, II (Shannon) of Mountain Home, NC; three daughters, Amanda Sangid of Montford, TN, Amber Chasteen (Lewis) of Asheville, NC and Chelsie Ridge, of Swannanoa, NC; two sisters, Barbara Elgin of Greenville, SC and Susan Schofield of Hickory Tavern, SC; and 13 grandchildren and great-grandchildren all together.

A Funeral Service with full military honors will be held on Monday, August 7, 2023 at 12:30 PM in the chapel of Penland Family Funeral Home, 125 South Avenue, Swannanoa, NC, conducted by Rev. Dr. Jeff Dowdy.

The family will receive friends from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM in the chapel. Burial will follow the service at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, 962 Old US Hwy 70, Black Mountain, NC, 28711.

Online condolences may be left at: www.penlandfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Penland Family Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Ridge family with arrangements.

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