of Helena, AR
December 14, 1932 - November 24, 2022
Charles E. "Gene" Ridge, Sr., died quietly and peacefully at his home in Helena on Thanksgiving, November 24, 2022, with his family by his side. Gene and his twin sister were the youngest of nine children born to Willis Burt and Emily Frances New Ridge at Moro, Arkansas on December 14, 1932.
Gene served his country in the U.S. Force during the Korean War. Upon returning from the service he began a career with Retail Credit Company, now known as Equifax, from which he retired in 1970. Upon retirement from Equifax he bought two neighborhood grocery stores, Reeves Grocery and U-Save Food Center. He later became a managing partner of Helena Wholesale Grocery until it closed in 2004. He attended West Helena Baptist Church for over 60 years.
As a store owner, Gene had opportunities to help people in need and often opened his home to travelers. Some of their most memorable visitors were a Mississippi River canoeist who wrote a book describing his visit to Helena, a cross country cyclist and a couple of world traveling bird watchers, all of whom he took into his home.
Gene was an avid sports fan and golfer. He enjoyed coaching his son's Little League teams and served as president of the Twin City Little League Association. He was instrumental in the moving of the old Helena Little League Park to the new Park on North 10th Street in West Helena. Gene was a staunch supporter of DeSoto School during its inception and was a dedicated volunteer at school activities, especially in the sports events.
"Uncle Gene" was a favorite of his many nieces and nephews. He will be well remembered for his story telling at family gatherings and for hosting family reunions, especially at Moon Lake.
Preceding him in death were his parents; two brothers, Raymond Ridge and Willis Ridge; four sisters, Vinnie Ligon, Inez Graham, Virginia Chapman and Jan Ridge. Also preceding him in death was a grandson, Little Willis Nathan Ridge.
Surviving are his loving wife of 66 years, Wanda Freeman Ridge; two sons, Charles E. "Charlie" Ridge Jr. (Susan) of Benton and Willis Freeman "Bill" Ridge (Robin) of Courtland, MS and the lights of his life, his grandchildren and great grandchildren, Joshua, Emily, James Willis, Baylor, Charli Louise and Decker.
Also surviving are a sister, Doris Pugsley of Moore, OK, his twin sister, Eugenia Corkran of Helena and a great number of nieces and nephews.
Special thanks go to the nurses and aids from Elite Hospice who were a blessing during his last months.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to DeSoto School or West Helena Baptist Church will be appreciated.
Graveside services will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 1, 2022 at Maple Hill Cemetery, nephew King Benson will be officiating. Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870)-572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.
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27 Condolence(s)
Pat and Jimmy Webb
Saturday, December 17, 2022
Dear Miss Wanda and Family,
Jimmy and I are so saddened by Mr. Gene’s passing. Many prayers to you and your family. May God Bless you during this difficult time and give you strength and peace during the coming days. We love you want you to know we are here for you. I wish I could give you a big hug.
Vicky Crisp
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
I am so very sorry to see this! I had no idea this had happened. I have many great memories with this family growing up. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love you allâ¤ï¸
Richard W. Ross
Sunday, December 4, 2022
Those we love can never be more than a thought away; for as long as there’s a memory, they live on in our hearts. Mr. Ridge was definitely one of a kind! We all spent many days together playing golf. I sure thought a lot of Mr. Ridge
John Summar
Friday, December 2, 2022
Growing up it was always gene, We lived just down the dirt rd on route 2 Moro , We friends for years, So Sorry for your loss
Charles David Gunn
Friday, December 2, 2022
Gene was such a nice man. I hated reading this late Thursday night. Would have liked to come see my old neighbors. Praying for you and the sons and family. You two may have been the last of the original neighbors.
Carol Carlson
Thursday, December 1, 2022
Dear Wanda, Charlie and Bill,
Gene was such a sweet, quiet man. I am happy I got to spend some time with him. May peace, love and grace surround you all at this tender time.
Love, Carol
Linda Chapman Schekman
Thursday, December 1, 2022
Dearest Aunt Wanda and Family and Aunt Eugenia and Aunt Doris. Our deepest condolences on Uncle Gene’s passing. He was my very last uncle. â˜¹ï¸ Stay strong. â¤ï¸Love you allâ¤ï¸Linda and Jan
Glennda Fread
Thursday, December 1, 2022
So sorry to read of Charles’ death. Remembering you and family in prayer.
STEVE JONES
Thursday, December 1, 2022
Ms Wanda, Charlie and Bill. I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Billie Sue Rohrscheib
Wednesday, November 30, 2022
Wanda and Family, Henry and I are so sorry about Gene! He was a sweet man, and will be missed by everyone that was blessed to have him in their life. Our prayers are with you all. Love, Henry and Billie Sue Rohrscheib
judy Dozier Griffin
Wednesday, November 30, 2022
Wanda and family!!! I fondly remember Gene and sister Vinnie in Moro at her store!! As kids, us girls always wished Gene would be in the store so we could see his handsome face and smile plus his quiet ways!!! My condolences!!
Irene and John Benick
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Dear, dear miss Wanda. We are so sorry and sending love and prayers. When We met Gene we liked him right away. John still talks about him often. Just a couple of weeks ago while I was teaching our adult Sunday school class the subject of good teachers came up. Of course I had to mention my favorite teacher but John had to talk about her husband!!!! He really connected with Gene with only meeting that one time. Love you, take care of yourself. God is Good all the time! Irene (McCoy) and John
Doug Hollowell
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Mr. and Mrs. Ridge were always so good to me when we lived around the curve from each other in the 60's when I would go over to their house and play with Charles and Bill. He always had a smile on his face no matter what. He treated me like I was his own son. The last time I saw Mr. and Mrs. Ridge was about 5 or so years ago. When they saw me they immediately knew who I was and began talking to me as if I had never left years ago. Mr. Ridge will never be forgotten, nor will Mrs. Ridge and Charles and Bill.
Gary Inman
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Mrs. Wonda, Charlie, Bill and family, sorry about Mr.Gene. Had many good times.
Cindy and Leonard Hartsfield
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Wanda, Charlie and Bill,
We are so sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. God's peace and comfort be with you.
Ron and Betty Kettles
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Miss Wanda, we are so sorry to hear of Mr. Gene's passing. We know that he was totally dedicated to his family and his East Arkansas community, and he will be greatly missed. We also want you and the family to know that many prayers are being offered for you during these difficult days. Hugs.
Clara WIlliamson
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Mrs. Wanda thinking of you at this sad time. May God's peace and comfort help you and your family in the days ahead.
Bill Barman
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Miss Wanda
Your 4th Grade students from Moro are all sending hugs from the bottom of our hearts.
Our year with you was one we will never forget.
You gave us a lifetime of good memories in that short time.
May God wrap you tighter still in HIS arms.
To the Family we pray each of you find comfort as you remember your wonderful Dad.
Sandra Richmond
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Wanda and Family,
I am so sad to hear of your great loss. With sincere sympathy I will be lifting you up in prayers for the difficult days ahead. May God bless you all.
Lynn Reynolds Dunlap
Monday, November 28, 2022
So sorry for your loss.
Clayton and Lizz Collier
Monday, November 28, 2022
We are so sorry for your loss he will be missed greatly, by all who knew him I'm sorry I did not meet him sooner in life, God bless all of you with comfort and peace. Clayton and Lizz Collier
Glen & Floy Estes
Monday, November 28, 2022
Ms.Wanda, Charlie, Bill and family. We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Gene. He was a wonderful man in this community, a great influence in our childhood and a genuinely good man. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and you families in this time of sorrow. He will be greatly missed!
Lynette (Burt) Murphy
Monday, November 28, 2022
Mrs. Wanda and Family:
I am so sorry to see the loss of Mr. Gene. He was always so kind and friendly. You are each in my thoughts and prayers.
Kay Clark Calderone
Monday, November 28, 2022
Dear Wanda and family,
I was saddened to hear of Gene’s passing.
He and Jerry should loved playing golf together and Jerry loved teaching the Sunday school class.
My prayers are lifting you up during this difficult time.
Take care,
Kay Clark Calderone
June White
Monday, November 28, 2022
I was shocked and so very sorry to read of Gene’s death. I pray that God will keep his arms around you.
I have many good memories that include Gene and Wanda.
June White
jackie sanders
Monday, November 28, 2022
Dear Wanda and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Charles passing. My heartfelt sympathies and prayers are with you at this difficult time
Jim Mayer
Monday, November 28, 2022
You are in our thoughts and prayers Jim Mayer