Jerry Eugene Ridgway

Jerry Eugene Ridgway, a longtime resident of Norman, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, August 2, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was surrounded by his loving family in his final moments.

Jerry was born on June 1, 1945, in Caney, Oklahoma, the son of Buck and Carrie Ridgway. In 1948, the Ridgway family moved to Norman, where Jerry would go on to build a life rooted in community, family, and hard work. He graduated from Norman High School in 1963.

An avid water skier and fisherman, Jerry found great joy at Oklahoma’s lakes, where he spent countless weekends with friends and family. It was during one such summer, in 1964, that he met the love of his life, Carolyn McQuay in Eufaula, Oklahoma. The two were married on August 12, 1965, and began a lifelong partnership filled with love, laughter, and dedication to their family.

From 1964 to 1966, Jerry worked as an Apprentice Electrician at Waters Electric. He joined the Army Reserves from 1966 through 1972 and continued working alongside his friend and mentor, Doyle Taylor, who had established Doyle’s Electric. As an Electrical Contractor, Jerry honed his skills and deepened his knowledge of Norman’s growing infrastructure.

In 1979, Doyle and his wife, Barbara, helped Jerry and Carolyn purchase shares in the business, officially making them partners. Together, they built Doyle’s Electric into a respected name in Norman’s electrical contracting community. In 2000, upon Doyle’s retirement, Jerry’s son Jeff formally became a partner, ensuring the legacy would continue into a new generation. Jerry remained active in the company until his semi-retirement in 2020, providing valuable insights and guidance drawn from his decades of experience and knowledge of Norman’s electrical history.

As a proud business owner, Jerry took great pride in his work and the many relationships he developed throughout the construction and development industry in Norman. His influence can be seen across the city in countless homes, schools, and businesses. Jerry’s favorite pastime was his daily discussions with his lifelong friends at "the tree", commonly called the "Tree of Knowledge".

Above all, Jerry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Carolyn Ridgway; his sister Patsy Grotts; and brothers Billie Ridgway of Denton, Texas, and Burney Ridgway of Norman. He leaves behind two sons: Jeff Ridgway and wife Juli of Norman, and Dustin Ridgway and wife Audrey of Durango, Colorado.

Jerry was a proud grandfather to Jackson Ridgway and wife Grace, and Charlie Ridgway of Norman; Dylan Ridgway and wife Payton of Greeley, Colorado; and Blake, Grant, Claire, and Lauren Ridgway of Durango, Colorado. He also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

In recent years, Jerry cherished the opportunity to play an important role in the lives of his grandnephews, Roan and Hudson Gimlin whose presence brought him immense joy and renewed purpose. And a special thanks to Kylea Kahrs, whose service and dedication to his well-being was deeply appreciated.

Jerry will be remembered for his integrity, work ethic, sense of humor, and unwavering love for his family and community. He built a life marked by quiet strength, generosity, and the kind of legacy that lasts through generations.

Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to Parkinson Voice Project at https://parkinsonvoiceproject.org/donate/. Checks can be mailed to: Parkinson Voice Project, 646 N. Coit Road, Ste 2250, Richardson, TX 75080.

A celebration of life for Jerry will be held Saturday, August 9, 2025 at the family home, 1312 E Main St., Norman, OK 73071, with guests welcome to come at 6:00 PM and the service starting at 7:00 PM.