John Walker Ridley

John Walker Ridley of Lago Vista, TX passed away April 20, 2025 at the age of 68. Born in Houston, TX on March 26,1957, John was the youngest of four children to parents Walker Alvah Ridley and Frances Cecile Gentry. At the age of eleven, John's family moved to Austin and later Lago Vista, TX making it his lifelong home. John worked at Round Rock ISD for twenty-seven years as a master carpenter using his talents to build projects for schools around the district.
John was a good man. He had a big heart and a kind, gentle manner that belied a toughness that served him well. He lived alone on his own terms, but was always willing to help others. John never asked much of anyone but was always quick to share his knowledge and expertise. John was a man of many talents. He was a skilled trim carpenter and cabinet maker. He earned his private pilot license, skippered his catamaran in several Turnback Canyon regattas on Lake Travis and the Texas coast. He loved riding his motorcycles, even riding his Harley to the Sturgis bike rally in South Dakota. In his free time, he would meet up with friends to ride his motorcycle in the beautiful hill country surrounding his home. He also enjoyed playing disc golf and attending air shows around the state of Texas.
John never married, but was rarely alone. He loved animals and always had dogs and cats to keep him company. John dreamed of building a house on his property in Lago Vista. He started the foundation, but his failing heart forced him to give up the dream. John lived several more years before his heart finally gave out. Early on Easter Sunday morning, in the presence of family members, he left this earth and his demons behind and peacefully entered into the kingdom of heaven to be with God. Heaven must have needed another carpenter. We love you, John. You will be missed.
Those remembering John's life are his two brothers, Ron Ridley and Bill Ridley, and his sister, Joan White, numerous friends, and extended family.