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Charles Ridenhour Obituary
WINSTON-SALEM - Charles F. Ridenhour, Jr. "Sonny," 75, passed away on November 25, 2007, at his home in Winston-Salem.
Sonny was born Sept 14, 1932, to Charles F. and Ruth Pinson Ridenhour in Winston-Salem. A college football athlete at the University of North Carolina, then a golf professional for over 40 years, Sonny spent his professional life doing what he loved, playing golf.
In recent years, in addition to his family, he enjoyed time spent between Mid Pines Golf Course in Southern Pines and his beach home in Juno Beach, Fla.
Forever the competitive athlete, he battled a hard fight against lung cancer to which he finally succumbed. Sonny was a longtime resident of Winston-Salem and the Triad area.
He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Holmes Ridenhour of Winston-Salem; his children, Trip Ridenhour of Kernersville, Amy Goodall of Marietta, Ga., Steve Ridenhour of Alexandria, Va., and Preston Young of Greensboro; stepdaughter Tara Stebbins of Germanton; and grandchildren Forrest, Hayden and Megan Ridenhour, Makinson and Hannah Goodall, JJ, Reid and Hamilton Ridenhour and Bobby Young. Other survivors include Frankie Pinson, uncle, Bill Ownbey, Sr., brother-in-law, Debbie Wagoner and Bunnie McClintock, nieces, and Billy Ownbey, nephew.
He was predeceased by his parents and sister Tootsie Ownbey.
Service: A memorial service was held Tuesday, November 27, 2007, at 11 a.m. at Ardmore United Methodist Church in Winston Salem. The family received friends in the fellowship hall after the service.
Memorials: Memorials may be made to Comprehensive Cancer Center of WFU, Lung Cancer Research at Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1082.
Online condolences may be sent to www.salemfh.com.
The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to Sonny's many friends and to his health care professionals for the wonderful support they provided.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Ridenhour
Brian Kaufman
February 12, 2022
Sonny taught me how to play golf back in the '60's. I remember him fondly. He was one of the nicest people I have ever met. May you rest in peace, my friend.
Bobby Young
February 23, 2021
Sonny only ever meet me as a Baby but I am glad he got to meet me, I have heard great stories about your life from my mom and I wish I could have really met you.
Howard Reid
December 20, 2007
I first met Sonny at Willow Creek as a high school caddy. He always had time for me to talk or help with my struggling game. I feel fortunate to have known him and he infuenced me to enter the golf profession.
Dean Allgeyer
December 19, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with the Ridenhour family. I was fortunate to know Sonny during my tenure at Mid Pines. I always enjoyed talking with him.
Roger Watson
December 19, 2007
Dear Nancy & family,
Our heart goes out to you and your family. We will miss Sonny and his funny needles while golfing. Sonny enjoyed playing golf, made a lot of friends and had a great career. You should all be very proud of his accomplishments and happy about the time you enjoyed with him.
God Bless you,
Roger
Owen Calvert
November 27, 2007
I first met Sonny when I was a young man, and although I wasn't able to keep in contact with him for the past several years, I very much appreciate the role model that he was to me and my siblings during that time. He was a good man, and our family holds a special place for him in our hearts.
Flora Stopher
November 27, 2007
Sonny was a wonderful person and touched the life of my family in so many ways. We will never forget him. He will be truly missed.
Missy Highsmith
November 27, 2007
To Preston and all of the family- I am so sorry for your loss and for his tough battle with cancer especially. Thinking of you all during this hard time. Lots of love to you Preston! Love, Missy Highsmith
Linda McClary
November 26, 2007
Preston and Betsy, In this difficult time I pray your happy memories and the wonderful stories, no doubt relayed to you by Sonny's friends, will sustain you. You and the entire family are in my prayers.
Love, Linda McClary
Mike & Scarlett Barger
November 26, 2007
Nancy & Family We are so sorry for your loss. Sonny was my dear friend and mentor. Our time together was so special and he will NEVER be forgotten. Love Mike and Scarlett Barger
Mike and Debbie Wagoner
November 26, 2007
To Nancy, Trip, Amy, Steve, Preston, and Tara, We share with you the sorrow of Sonny's passing. He, however, enriched our lives with his exceptional winning personality and humor, and will be forever missed. The memories we all share, though, will remain cherished forever in our hearts. May you have peace and comfort through this most difficult time. Our love and prayers are with you all. Mike and Debbie Wagoner
Randy Sisk @ Triad Respiratory
November 26, 2007
Sorry for your loss
Katie Lipscomb
November 26, 2007
Preston,
I am so sorry. I am thinking of you and your family. Please let me know if you need anything at all.
Alex Galloway
November 26, 2007
Nancy,Trip,Preston, et al:
Needless to say we have all lost a special husband,dad,granddad,uncle, brother,teacher(altho he failed w/me), and friend whose love, friendship, and sense of humor will be sorely missed!
Please know you all have been and will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Alex Galloway
W-S
Ann & Michael Paquette
November 26, 2007
Preston, Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
Robin Cranfill
November 26, 2007
I wanted to express my sorrow about the loss of Mr. Ridenhour. I really enjoyed the short time I knew him. He was a great person. He was a very generous man and my father really enjoyed talking with Sonny. I was truly grateful to Sonny for the golf game at Mid Pines that he allowed my father and his friends to play. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Roy Michael
November 26, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Nancy and Frank Eason
November 26, 2007
Our sympathy to the family on your loss. Preston and Betsy, our
memories of Sonny are such a part of our past as well since our lives have been shared the last 25 years. Just know that we care.
Bob Galloway
November 26, 2007
Nancy and Family:
I was saddened to hear about Sonny's passing, although having spent some time with him a few weeks ago, i knew the end was near.
Growing up in W-S and RJ Reynolds high school, Sonny was my "hero" and we became friends for life...he was a great guy and will be missed by many friends.
Please accept my condolences for this wonderful man
Sincerely
Bob Galloway
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