Samuel “Sam” Hoover Ridgway

December 15, 1928 – September 11, 2024

Samuel Hoover Ridgway, 95, of Hudson passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at his home. Born on December 15, 1928 in Hart County, Georgia, he was the son of John and Lillian Ridgway.

Sam served in the U.S. Marine Corps with a brief deployment to China. Afterwards, he began a longtime career in sales with Elgin National Watch Company and Waring Products. He and his wife enjoyed traveling the country in their Airstream. Sam’s greatest passion was his family, hosting the Ridgway Family Reunion for decades and researching family history. He was a gregarious storyteller who never met a stranger, and had a lively sense of humor up until his final days. He was a devout Methodist and longtime member of Hudson United Methodist Church.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Irene Palmer Ridgway; three older half-sisters, Berksie Whitaker, Doris Stevens, and Evelyn Howell; two brothers, John Parks Ridgway and James Abner Ridgway; and one sister, Mollie Ray.

He is survived by his sister Melba Tucker (Tommy); son David Ridgway (Lisa) and daughter Bette Hedrick (Bruce); stepchildren Roy Price (Lethea), Gary Price (Helen), and Jack Holsclaw (Carolyn); grandchildren, Dax Ridgway, Nikki Levin (Eric), Chad Hedrick, Nadia Beam (Jeff), Ben Hedrick (Erika), and Samantha Conley (Ryan). And numerous step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give special thanks to Jackie Price (step-granddaughter), Visiting Angels, and Carolina Caring for their loving care given to Sam during his final years.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, September 22 at Hudson United Methodist Church followed by an informal reception. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Carolina Caring or Hudson United Methodist Church.

Mackie Funeral Service and Cremations is assisting the family.

An online obituary can be found at mackiefh.com.