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William Ridley Obituary
Frostproof, FL—William D. Ridley died September 28, 2019 in Frostproof, Florida. Bill was born February 2, 1934 in Taylorville, IL to William and Ola Ridley. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jo, sons David, John (Amy), and Mark (Amy), sister JoAnn (Jim) Pettinger, and grandchildren Nicole and Erica, Ali, Brooke, and Madison, and Emma and Grady.
Known for his basketball career, Billy was a hall of famer at Taylorville High School and received All-American honors at the University of Illinois. Bill enjoyed his family and countless friendships made over the years. He appreciated each and every one. He would be happy if those friends shared a story or joke as they toasted his life spent laughing together.
Memorial contributions may be made to Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois, 300 S. 15th Street, Springfield, IL 62703.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Ridley
5 Entries
Lorie Lautenbach
December 8, 2019
So sorry to hear about Billy, because of being miles apart, we weren't as close as I would have liked, but Uncle Bill and Aunt Ola were my favorite Uncle and Aunt. My trips to Taylorville as a little girl are so fond because of these two. Prayers for Joanne now and the rest of the family..love and blessings
October 9, 2019
John Rid Dog, Dave, Mark, and family. I am so sorry to hear about this. I just found out a few days ago and can't tell you again how hard this may be and hope you can just remember the great times and memories. I always thought he was such a great guy and I only know you will miss him. Sincerely John Suter. Ps. Mark it was great to see and chat with you in Chi town this summer!
Mary Ann Carey
October 7, 2019
What a great guy....Billy was one of a kind. My condolences to Jo and the rest of his family. He will be missed.
Billy and Erica
Kathy Ridley
October 6, 2019
Heaven is laughing a little bit harder now that Billy has entered God's Kingdom and us on earth will miss the jokes, riddles, silly songs and laughter of Billy. I remember meeting Billy years before I met Dave. He always had a story or a joke for you. A person that always made me smile. When I became part of the Ridley family he welcomed me with open arms because we were the only two in the family that had the privilege of being born at Taylorville hospital. You were somebody special if you were from Taylorville! Both Billy and Jo welcomed their new granddaughter, Nicole and she enjoyed looking for that dog that was always barking behind her, bark, bark, where did that dog go? Then came Erica, Billy cried when we told him I was pregnant, by they way, I think he cried at every wedding too. He loved his grandchildren. The girls would love to go swimming with him on Wildwood, listen to his funny songs and I believe they can recite all of them to this day. Billy, you never met a stranger and I was always proud to call you my father-in-law. ❤
Rossie (Robison) Showalter
October 5, 2019
On 9/28/19 I lost one of my very best friends. We were classmates from elementary school thru high school. We grew up in the same area of town, and came from modest homes. During classes where we were seated by alphabets, I was always the lucky one to sit nest to him (because my maiden name was ROBISON). He always kept me laughing with his shenanigans. We remained special friends all thru adulthood. His athletic abilities were so astonishing and noteworthy in all the history books. But most importantly, was his ability to make his special friends feel unique with those special hugs and sometimes a kiss. I'm sure "death came as a friend". He will always be on the "top" of my list of golden memories; and I know that he is teaching someone in Jesus's presence how to be a great sportsman at any thing they learn from him. God bless you and all your family.
Rossie Showalter
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