Charles Ridgeway, Sr. Sr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Charles Ridgeway, 84, of Magnolia, passed away on Sunday, July 20th, 2025, peacefully in his home surrounded by what mattered to him most, his family and NASCAR. Charles crossed the finish line just moments after the race began at Dover Monster Mile.

He was born on January 22nd, 1941, in Concord, MD, to his parents, Benjamin Ridgeway Sr. and Dorthy "Dot" Morgan Ridgeway. He was one of nine children. Charles began working at an early age and was known all his life as a hard worker. As a young boy, he worked for his Uncle Raymond's business repairing televisions. Soon after, he enlisted in the United States Army National Guard during the Vietnam War. After serving, he dedicated 40 years to Marvel's Construction as a contractor. After Marvel Construction closed, he worked as a contractor for Alpine Construction, a Landscaper for Odd Fellows Cemetery, and a Janitor for a local elementary school. In his retirement, he always found a way to keep himself busy by helping family and friends with their projects, looking for any reason to use a backhoe.

If you knew Charles, you also knew his passions and hobbies. He spent his free time watching live harness horse racing at Harrington Racetrack and, in later years, Dover Downs. But nothing could beat his love for NASCAR, specifically for Dale Earnhardt. He was also a die-hard fan of the Washington Redskins, West Virginia Mountaineers, and Philadelphia Phillies his entire life. When sports weren't on, his westerns were, or he was listening to George Jones and Elvis Presley. And if he wasn't home, you could find him at either Wawa or Dunkin Donuts ordering a hot cup of coffee, black, with six Splendas.

Above all else, his passion was his family. He loved and cared for everyone unconditionally, and this love shows in the size of the family he created that will forever remember who Charles Ridgeway was to them.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Ridgeway Sr. and Dorthy "Dot" Morgan Ridgeway, his brothers, Floyd Morgan, Benjamin Ridgeway Jr., and Anthony Ridgeway Sr., and his sisters, Betty Garnette, Annaetta E. Ridgeway, and Mary Garnette, his beloved granddaughters, Aliyah Rose Ridgeway and Adria Stella, and his dog, Maxwell.

Not only did Charles come from a large family, but he created one, too. His memory will be survived by his brother Raymond Ridgeway, Benjamin (Smokey) Garnett and his sister Leona Morris; his wife of 31 years, Teresa Ridgeway and their dog, Bandi; his three children, Tammy Stella (Brian), Charles "Chuck" Ridgeway Jr. (Jill), and Forrest Ridgeway (Marietta); his grandchildren, Carla Ridgway, Lee Ridgway (Katie), Robin Ridgway, Brian Stella, Katie Stella, Jade Hand, Jenna Ridgeway, Alyssa Grainger (Mark), and Ashlyn Ridgeway; his great-grandchildren Alec, Tierra, Terah, Kalim, Santanah, Amelya, Artys, Connor, Cole, Madysin, Dominick, June, Joanna, and Jett, and his great-great-grandson, Za'khari.

We will begin celebrating the life of Charles Ridgeway at Torbert Funeral Chapel,1145 East Lebanon Road, Dover, DE 19901, on Saturday, July 26th, 2025, at 3:00 pm. Family and friends may visit two hours prior. Please come in either casual attire or sports apparel.

A Native American Burial performed by Dickie Ridgeway will immediately follow the service at Immanuel Union Methodist Church Cemetery, 756 Main St, Cheswold, DE 19936.

A Celebration of Life will immediately follow the burial at the Cheswold Fire Hall, 371 Main St., Cheswold, DE 19936.

A special thank you to the caregivers Tina and Debbie.