Thornton Jett Ridinger

1941 - 2025

Thornton Jett Ridinger, 83, died on Monday January 13th 2025.

Thornton was born in Charleston, WV on July 30, 1941, to Claude and Margaret Ridinger. He grew up in Charleston's East End with his brother Claude and sister Carol. He attended high school in Deland FL, graduating from Florida Military School in 1959. Thornton was a graduate of Morris Harvey College in West Virginia and received a Master of Public Administration from Penn State University. He joined the Army, serving from 1966-69, and leaving active duty with the rank of First Lieutenant. After the Army, Thornton began his career with the State of Illinois. He held various positions within the State spending the majority of his tenure in the Division of Economic Opportunity, Department of Commerce and Community Affairs.

In 1965, Thornton married Judy Akers and they had three children. Jeffery, Michael, and Catherine. They moved to Springfield, Illinois in 1970 and raised their family there. Thornton was baptized in 1972 with his two sons at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Springfield, later serving as a Deacon and Elder at Westminster. In Ormond Beach, Florida, he joined Lighthouse Christ Presbyterian Church. He joined The Masonic Fraternity Central Lodge #71 A.F. A.M. in 1988 in Springfield. Receiving a 32nd degree in Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Springfield and serving as Worshipful Master from 1992-93.

Retiring to Florida in 1999, Thornton enjoyed rekindling relationships with his old classmates, his cousins, and his brother and sister. He enjoyed traveling domestically and internationally. Most of all he loved his family and was able to enjoy extended visits with his children recently. He is survived by his sister Carol Scott, children Jeffery (Karie), Michael (Dana), Cathy (Dan) McLagan and five grandchildren.

Burial Ceremony: 10:00am at Sunset Memorial Park, 4301 Maccorkle Ave, SW, South Charleston, WV, 25309.