Charles Edward Ridgeway Sr.

Charles proudly served his country after joining the United States Navy in 1955, completing 12 years of service as a Machinist Mate, First Class. He greatly enjoyed sea duty and served aboard many ships and a submarine, including the USS New Jersey and the SSN-579 Swordfish. His favorite assignment was aboard the CV-21 USS Boxer, an aircraft carrier. His naval service was a source of great pride and lifelong memories.

On March 31, 1959, Charles married the love of his life, Dorothy Izella Huff. Together, they shared 66 years of marriage, building a life grounded in faith, devotion, and family. They were blessed with seven children, along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom they loved and cherished deeply.

Charles was a faithful member of City Church (Church of God) for over 30 years. He loved his church and church family dearly, and his faith was a steady foundation throughout his life.

Following his military service, Charles worked for over 67 years in air conditioning and refrigeration, a career marked by dedication, skill, and a strong work ethic. He valued his career with Mary G. Harden & company for over 30 years. He especially enjoyed the friendships he built with his work acquaintances at Wittichen Supply Co.

Outside of work, Charles was an avid reader who enjoyed quiet reflection. He loved spending time in his shop, watching westerns and historical documentaries, and tending to his annual garden, where he took pride in growing and canning vegetables for the winter months.

Charles lived in the North Gadsden community for over 35 years prior to his retirement, where he established deep roots and lasting relationships. Following retirement, he made his home in Southside.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Claudia Thompson and Chalmus Ridgeway (Dan); and his brothers, Horace Ridgeway and Billy Thompson.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy Izella (Huff) Ridgeway; his children, Charles E. Ridgeway Jr. (Charlie), Micki Ridgeway Bunton (Wayne), Thomas Ridgeway (Jeanette), Mercedes Ridgeway Lyle (Vann), Michelle Ridgeway Fowler, Monica Ridgeway Irwin (Don), and Melissa Ridgeway Beaird (Brent); his grandchildren, Brannon Ridgeway, Melanie Traylor (Wade), Joshua Steapleton (Brooke), Nathan Warren (Rachel), Drake Ridgeway (Amber), Brandi Warren Skaggs (Brent), Katie Fowler Green (Marco), Drew Ridgeway (Jennifer), Heather Fowler Rejcek, Rachel Dawn Steapleton, Brooklynn Ridgeway Sitz (Tyler), Morgan Beaird Ulrich (Seth), Trey Irwin (Autum), Darcy Kate Irwin Bishop (Mason), and Miley Belle Beaird; and 30 great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brothers, Bobby Thompson (Annette) and Harvey Thompson (Joanne); and his sisters, Mary Gene Alford (Justin), Irene Aldridge, and Kathy Long (Robert), along with many other family members, friends, and his church family.

A visitation will be held at Collier-Butler Funeral Home, located at 824 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden, AL 35901 on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, followed by a graveside service at 2:30 pm at Rainbow Memorial Gardens. Pastor Doug Baker will officiate.

Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be his grandsons.

Charles’s life was one of service, faith, hard work, and simple joys. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful church member, and a man who valued family, work, and time well spent.