Ben Richard Ridenour

Ben Richard Ridenour, 85, of Jonesboro passed away Thursday, March 12, 2026 at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House. He was born October 12, 1940 in Clinton, Tennessee to the late Newman and Hazel Ridenour.

Mr. Ridenour proudly served his country in the United States Navy for four years as a radio operator, a role for which he was greatly honored. During his time in the Navy he had the opportunity to travel and see many parts of the world, with Japan being one of his favorite places.

Known affectionately as “Pap Ben” to his grandchildren, he lived a life full of curiosity, faith, and simple joys. He carried a deep appreciation for history and learning throughout his life and loved reading about the past, especially stories involving trains. He also enjoyed listening to shortwave radio and keeping up with current events and politics.

In his younger years, Pap Ben could often be found by the pool, patiently skimming leaves and enjoying the quiet of his backyard during the summer months. He loved relaxing with a good documentary or a British television series, often with a glass of sweet tea and a can of Pringles close by.

Pap Ben was deeply loyal to his family and friends. He valued those relationships and showed up for the people he loved in steady, dependable ways that meant more than words.

More than anything, Pap Ben loved his faith. He spent time reading his Bible and never missed an opportunity to talk with others about Jesus. He was a member of First United Methodist Church on Mt. Carmel Road in Jonesboro and faithfully attended when he was able.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Betty Gross, one brother, Glen Ridenour, and one grandson, Jake Griffith.

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Jo Ridenour of the home, three daughters, Tippy Boling (Scott) of Jonesboro, Lisa Blaxton of Germantown, Tennessee, and Sherri Griffith (Barry) of Memphis, Tennessee, one son, Matt Blaxton of Altheimer, Arkansas, two brothers, Minnis Ridenour (Louise) of Blacksburg, Virginia,  and Kenneth Ridenour (Janice) of Kentucky, and two sisters, Ruth Flores of Dallas, Georgia and Mary Thelma Anderson of Maryville, Tennessee.

He is also survived by eleven grandchildren, Brooke Weaver (Jake), Mason Boling (Savannah), Rhiannon Fortenberry (Josh), Emily Boling, Loretta Boling, Elizabeth Peyton (Tommy), Donald Laney (Rachel), Victoria Buchannan (Hank), Alex Griffith (Kristen), Madeline Shilvey (Trell), and Rebecca Pitts (William), twenty-one great grandchildren, a lifetime of friends, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Monday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Emerson Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at Birdeye Veterans Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers will include Bryce Weaver, Hendrix Weaver, Jaxson Fortenberry, Bryson Fortenberry, Brixton Fortenberry, Jensen Fortenberry, and Simon Boling.

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