John Ridley

1952 - 2022

On Feb. 6, 2022, Roy went home, where he longed to be in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. He departed from his home in Wartburg, under the care of UT Hospice, and with his wife, Marcia, at his bedside.
Roy was born on Feb. 2, 1952, in Nashville to William and Marjorie Ridley. An older brother, "Bill", was awaiting his arrival back at home in Smyrna, TN. All three of his immediate family members predeceased Roy.
After a life as a travelling musician with multiple addictions, Roy found himself in TDOC custody in 1985 with a life sentence for a violent crime. Roy was born-again in Christ on March 15, 1987. The Lord drew him to Himself and showered his heart with the Truth. After many years of walking with the Lord, reading His Word, sharing the gospel behind bars and playing bass in the chapel band, Roy was released on parole on Oct. 20, 2017, and initially went to Miracle Lake in Etowah, TN, to participate and complete that program on Dec. 16, 2017. That same day, at the chapel at Miracle Lake, Roy entered into the covenant of marriage with Marcia Barnes Cloud, and she survives Roy, by God's grace, as Marcia Ridley.
Roy is also survived by a nephew, Travis Ridley and great-nephews, Brendon and Isaiah Ridley; sister-in-law, Cheryl Ridley; many first cousins (especially Jeff Earls). Roy also has his wife's family to grieve his absence: Ann (Michael) Bales, Philip (Teresa) Barnes and three nephews and one niece by marriage: Joshua Bales; Caleb (Cassie) Bales and Christopher Barnes; and one niece, Katie Barnes; two great-nephews; and one great-niece.
Roy also had many brothers and sisters in the Lord at West Hills Presbyterian Church, PCA, Harriman, TN and a very special, faithful brother and sister in the Lord, Mike and Nancy Sentell.
Those touched by Roy's life also include MANY brothers in the Lord that Roy had at MCCX and in 12-step fellowships across East and Middle TN. He was actively involved in many 12-step programs and found invaluable fellowship and friendship in these groups and especially with his sponsor. Roy participated in prison ministry, considering it a great privilege, and blessing to be a co-facilitator of a Celebrate Recovery meeting at Recovery Court in Morgan County. The joy of his heart, though, was to "go back in" to MCCX on Wednesday nights and share the living hope of Jesus Christ with his brothers behind bars!
A Celebration of Roy's Life will be held at West Hills Presbyterian Church in Harriman on April 1, 2022 at 2 p.m., officiated by the Rev. Jeffrey Jenkins. The family will welcome friends following the service. A private inurnment will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Nashville later.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Roy's memory to West Hills Presbyterian Church, Harriman, TN, Joni and Friends, Agoura Hills, CA, Bethel Bible Village, Hixson, TN, Samaritan's Purse, Ligonier Ministry, Orlando, FL, Focus Prison Ministry, Knoxville, TN or Miracle Lake, Etowah, TN.
BY GRACE ALONE, THRU FAITH ALONE, IN CHRIST ALONE.
Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. (865)6WE-CARE (693-2273) www.cremationoptionsinc.com.