Photo courtesy of Brandon's Mortuary, Inc. - Malvern
Aug 28, 1930 - Feb 7, 2026
Charles was a kind man, always smiling and encouraging. He was a dear friend to my Dad and that began our bond. Love and prayers to the family.
Karen Rash
February 12, 2026 | Friend
Papa Charles will live on in the hearts of those he touched! He truly understood what it meant to walk the path of Christ by setting an example of continuous compassion and unconditional love to not only those closest to him but to all!
Sarah Rudder
February 11, 2026 | Hot Springs, AR | Family
Thoughts & prayers for the family
Mary Jean Hurst
February 11, 2026 | Hot Springs, AR | Friend
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Gail Eckard
February 11, 2026 | Hot Springs, AR | Friend
I have memories of Charles that go back about 80 years. He was 10 years older than me. When I was a kid we called Charles— Butch. When my brothers and I got our first dog we named him Butch. That a show of affection and respect for Butch (Charles).
When I told my daughter about Charles passing away, her response was interesting. She said “ Yes, it is very, very sad. It just seems like such a huge chapter has come to an end. When I think about my childhood a big...
Rich Hughen
February 11, 2026 | Fayetteville, AR | Family
When I was 11 or 12 I developed a headache that lasted for weeks. Uncle Charles came and so gently laid hands on me and prayed for my healing. He was so quiet and calm and gentle.
God didn’t heal me that day but through Uncle Charles I felt Gods hands on me that day and knew that I was going to be well soon.
I wonder if the angels met him with a basket ball?
Sheila Rowden
February 11, 2026 | Springdale, AR | Family
Remembered By
Rich Hughen
February 11, 2026 | Fayetteville, AR | Family
Love Charles so much. We used to play volleyball together. He was a lot of fun and loved everyone.
Leesa Cash
February 11, 2026 | Hot Springs, AR
I admired Charles so much for his wisdom and integrity. I always admired his willingness to discuss any topics and offer his sage advice. He was a great competitor, a super athlete but always exhibited love to everyone.
Praying for his family and his sweet daughters to find Peace in knowing he is certainly resting in Jesus arms and if there is a basketball court in Heaven, I am certain he will be playing.
Q. Byrum Hurst
Q. Byrum Hurst
February 11, 2026 | Hot Springs, AR | Friend
Charles Bruce Ridgway, born August 28, 1930, in Star City, Arkansas, peacefully entered eternal rest on February 7, 2026, in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
He lived a long and fulfilling life marked by kindness, hard work, and unwavering devotion to his family. Charles was a beloved husband and a cherished father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His gentle spirit and peaceful presence touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Throughout his life, Charles was admired for his sweet disposition, generosity, wisdom, strong work ethic, and, above all, his deep love for God. He faithfully placed God first and others second, taking great pride in both his family and his calling to ministry.
Faith and family were at the center of Charles’s world. Alongside his lifelong love for basketball, he found great joy in pastoring his congregations, spending time with family, tending to his garden, and enthusiastically cheering on the Razorbacks. A Senior Olympics gold medalist in basketball, Charles leaves behind a legacy rooted in love, resilience, faith, honesty, and perseverance—values he faithfully passed down to future generations.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy Ridgway. He is survived by his four daughters: Karen Ridgway, Angela Didway, Cecilia (Kevin) Dyer, and Priscilla (Jeff) Wacaster; along with nine grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren, all of whom will forever hold his memory close to their hearts.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Oaklawn Church of God, 2110 Seventh Street, Hot Springs, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oaklawn Church of God in his memory.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Charles' online guest book is available below for friends and family to share memories and words of comfort. Brandon's Mortuary is honored to be entrusted with professional services.
Read More