William M. Ridgway's Obituary
William M. Ridgway, aged 71 years of Fairton, passed away suddenly on Saturday morning in Inspira Medical Center, Vineland. His death was unexpected.
Born in Fairfield Twp., he was the son of the late Tilghman D. Sr. and Hester (nee Cuff) Ridgway and the husband of Arlena (nee Pierce) Ridgway. He had been an area resident all of his life.
Billy was employed with A.I. DuPont Chambers Works for 30 years in the Maintenance dept. until his retirement. He was currently working for Fairfield Twp. in the public works dept. His passion in life was volunteering and was a lifetime member of the Fairton Fire Company No#1 and an active member of Gouldtown Fire Company No#2; he currently served as the Chief of the Cumberland County Fire Police, and also as chaplain. Billy was a life member of the New Jersey State Firemans Relief Association, the New Jersey State Exempt Firemans Association, and was a representative for the local Fairfield Twp. Relief Association. For several years, he served as a police officer with the Fairfield Twp. Police Dept. All in all, Billy has served the community of Fairfield and county of Cumberland for 47 years in community service. For the past few years, he was a Bailiff for several Municipal Court Systems serving most recently in Upper Deerfield Twp.
Billy was a huge NASCAR fan, and always enjoyed attending races in Dover with his late brother Danny. Jeff Gordon was his driver, and was most excited about his recent comeback to racing, even though temporarily. He was a collector of NASCAR and Hess Trucks, and he loved to joke, dance, and just be the life of the party. He was a proud member of the Nanticoke Lenni Lenape Indians of Bridgeton, and was given his Native name “Ridgerunner”. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, volunteer, and friend.
Surviving, is his wife, Arlena (nee Pierce) Ridgway, daughters; Tracey Ridgway Elliott and her husband Bob, FF Stephanie Ridgway, his two sisters; Buelah Watters, Margaret “Peggy” Cossaboon and her husband Buster, his brother; Thomas Ridgway and his wife Barbara, five grandchildren; Jami Ridgway, Ofc. Jessica Ridgway, Skylar Ridgway, Robert and William Elliott, four great grandchildren; Aaliyah, Jerimiah, Terrell, and Jermaine, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends.
He was predeceased besides his parents, by his grandparents, Mary Pierce and Nathaniel Cuff, and Henry and Minnie Ridgway; and his brother, Tilghman "Danny" Ridgway Jr..
Funeral services will be held on Saturday August 13, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. from the Fairton Christian Center 199 Fairton Millville Road, Fairton. The interment will be in Greenwood Memorial Park, Millville.
Visitations will be held on Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00p.m. from the SRAY-WEBSTER FUNERAL HOME, 62 Landis Ave. at Carll’s Corner, Upper Deerfield Twp. and also on Saturday morning from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. prior to the services at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be sent to Arlena Ridgway at PO Box 213 Fairton, NJ 08320.
What’s your fondest memory of William?
What’s a lesson you learned from William?
Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William you’ll never forget.
How did William make you smile?
