Stephen Conrad Ridings

Stephen Ridings, passed away on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at his home in Durham. Steve was born to Roland Baker Ridings and Constance Conrad Ridings in Front Royal, Virginia. Both of his parents pre-deceased him at a relatively young age. His stepmother Martha Boyles of Winchester, Virginia also predeceases him. He leaves behind his loving wife, Barbara Smith; as well as his stepson, Cameron Smith; daughter in law, Megan Smith; and his stepdaughter, Marin Smith. He also leaves behind his two precious grandchildren, William and London Smith. In addition, he leaves behind a stepsister, Ann Lynn Nardi (Tom).
Steve was raised in the quintessential small town of Front Royal, Virginia. He was an only child and talked about how loving and involved his parents were. They introduced him to many activities including being in the band and playing sports and were always there to support him. He went from the first grade through high school with the same group of friends and remained close to many of them until his death. They had just celebrated their 50th High School Reunion several years ago. He was athletic and loved playing sports, esp. baseball and football. At the age of 11 years old he taught himself to play golf with some used clubs his father bought for him and played by himself, frequently, on the local small golf course. He was in the school band, playing clarinet. He loved to talk about the time the band got all new uniforms and he and other friends went marching proudly down his own street dressed in their full regalia of bright new uniforms and instruments amusing all the neighbors who came outside to cheer them on. Steve had warm memories of going to watch the Little League games in Williamsport, Va. every August with his father. who was a state administrator for the Little League organization. Each year in August, up until the time of his death, he blocked off his schedule to avidly watch the Little League games on TV.
After high school, in 1969, Steve moved to North Carolina to attend Elon College (now university) where he majored in history. He made many new friends and had happy memories of his time there. One of his favorite remanences was getting to go on a study group to Great Britain. On the weekend he enjoyed going to the football games and returned to a few Elon games after he retired and moved to Durham. At college he finally found a group of people he could golf with so continued this pursuit with a brand-new set of golf clubs. He continued golfing throughout his life. One of his favorite activities was to take his wife and stepdaughter, Marin, back to visit the Elon campus and tour them around his old haunts or go to a football game. He was proud of his donation to the school and a visit there wasn't complete until he could guide everyone over to look at the brick in the sidewalk with his name on it representing his donation.
After graduating from college, he was not sure what he wanted to do. It was a chance interview with the management staff at the Four Seasons Holiday Inn in Greensboro that brought some definition to his vocational future. He was hired and eventually worked his way up into the upper-level management team. At this time Greensboro was the only N.C. city with a coliseum so all of the rock groups and sports attendees and figures stayed at his big hotel. He was instrumental in coordinating the stays of all the people involved in these events. He was also the designated person to handle the heavy hotel room needs during the High Point Furniture Market. He had many hilarious stories about his interactions with various performers and sports figures who came to depend on him for their hotel stay.
While at the Four Season's Holiday Inn Steve met his first wife Paula. They had a close group of friends, and they participated in many various activities. He was an avid bridge player and continued to golf frequently. He volunteered at the PGA Golf Tournament where he got to meet many of his golfing idols. Few people are aware that he volunteered for many years at the local branch of the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy telethon, sometimes staying up all night tabulating the contributions, One of his all-time favorite songs was the one that Jerry always sang at the end of the telethon "You'll Never Walk Alone" which inevitably brought him to tears.
Though he and Paula divorced they remained dear friends for the remainder of his life. She was of much support to him and Barbara during his last days in Hospice. He eventually met and married his second wife, Barbara. Since he had no siblings and no children he was delighted that, along with his marriage, he became an instant step father to both Cameron and Marin. He and Cameron especially bonded over sports and texted frequently back and forth during various games. Marin was just 6 years old when he became her stepfather. He designated Saturday as a "family day" taking everyone out to eat and then arranging other activities. Later, as she got older he took her to various concerts, at one point standing out in the rain throughout an outdoor performance. He also took her to comic com and other such activities. Later he became the father in law to Cameron's sweet wife, Megan. He loved all three dearly and the feeling was mutual. More recently he became Grandad to Cameron and Megan's two children, William and London. He was over the moon to become a grandfather and loved these babies.
After Steve and Barbara retired they moved from Greensboro to Durham to be closer to family. In his retirement Steve had time to indulge in watching his favorite sports especially Duke, University of Virginia, the Carolina Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes. He loved the Baltimore Orioles and although very frugal, in general, his one luxury was to buy a higher tier satellite TV plan which would allow him to watch his beloved baseball team almost every night during the season. Steve loved his country and whenever the national anthem was played on TV he would stand up in the living room with his hand over his heart. In addition to sports he enjoyed reading about history and followed politics avidly. More than anything however he loved his wife Barbara and their quiet home life. When she became severely ill and in a coma he stayed by her side daily, even though she did not know he was there,. until the nurses would make him go home for some sleep. He then went to Rehab. with her to help her learn to walk again. He learned there, on the physical therapist's practice stairs and a gait belt, how to help her walk up the stairs so she could sleep in their own bedroom. He will be missed by his family and friends
His family wants to thank Hospice, especially his wonderful nurse Deborah Biton RN for their loving care and guidance both during this difficult journey.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that you send donations to Duke Hospice (mailing address: 4321 Medical Park Dr., Suite 101, Durham, NC 27704); or the organization of your choice.
Steve's Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 24th at Clements Funeral Chapel in Durham. A luncheon/visitation will follow in the Gathering Room at Clements.
The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences can be made at www.clementsfuneralservice.com.
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