Roger David Ridenour

Roger David Ridenour, born in LaFollette, Tennessee, on March 12, 1949, was called home to be with His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on February 7, 2024.  Roger was preceded into God’s Kingdom by his parents, Gene and Mabel Carroll Ridenour and brother, Reverend Dr. Ronnie Gene Ridenour. 

Roger is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Carol Gardner Ridenour; three sons:  Dave Ridenour (Tammy); Russ Ridenour (Stephanie); and Robbie Ridenour; also his precious grandchildren that he lovingly referred to as his “bushy heads”;  Sophie Ridenour, Oskar Ridenour, twins Robin and Rey Ridenour, Ashley Stevens, Emma Stevens, and McKenzie Kordabadi; his beloved great-grandchildren; Aunts, Lois Carroll and Betty Carroll both of LaFollette, TN; sisters, Carol Ridenour Grealish (Edward); Debbie Ridenour Busbee (Steve aka “Buzz”); sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Ridenour and Abbie Gardner Floyd; brother-in-law, Mike Gardner (Joan); many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins who knew him fondly as the “Magic Man”.

Roger was raised in Aiken, South Carolina, where he accumulated a host of “lifelong friends”.  He played every sport imaginable, but he focused mainly on basketball.   Every time he visited Aiken, he would make a point to go by the USC-AIKEN Convocation Center where his team picture is on display in the lobby area.  He attended USC-AIKEN for two years and in 1971 received his BS degree in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina in Columbia. This degree led him to pursue a career in retail management and he was revered in every establishment he managed.  Eventually his career led him to North Carolina where he expanded his list of lifelong friends and family. 

USC is where he obtained his never-ending love for the Carolina GAMECOCKS! 

The Carolina fight song was played when he rang the bell at Duke University Medical Center after treatment and again when he left his earthly home.

Roger does not leave this world without a legend. The love he had for his family and lifelong friends was beyond reality; thus, the phrase, “Who loves you!!” that he displayed to all who knew him. Roger was a role model and mentor to so many people, both young and old.

He will be forever in our hearts and memories. God bless his journey home.

The family would like to express thanks for all the love and sympathy that has been bestowed upon us, while also asking for your continued prayers for this great loss to all who knew and loved him.  

The care of Mr. Ridenour has been entrusted  in A Simple Cremation.