John Russell (Johnny) Ridgeway, 70, of Fitzgerald died unexpectedly at his residence on January 26, 2022.
Johnny was born on December 20, 1951 in Washington DC to Charles Russell Ridgeway Jr. and Mary Jack Dixon Johnson. He was raised in Fitzgerald GA, graduating from Fitzgerald High School in 1970 where he was a member of the football, track, wrestling, and baseball teams. He also was a member of the Douglas dive team. He attended Valdosta State. After living in Tallahassee for a bit, Johnny moved back to Fitzgerald over 20 years ago.
Johnny held a variety of jobs including having a longtime gig as a DJ at WBHB and most recently as a loved employee at the Jessamine Place.
Johnny was always making the people around him laugh with his quick wit and great sense of humor. Always an animal lover, Johnny had 2 dogs and a cat when he passed. He was also an art lover with a keen eye for the avant garde or a nice original piece. Johnny's gift wrapping was art itself. A lifelong amateur photographer, he had a collection of photos that recorded the 60s and 70s of his youth and those around him. If there was a party, Johnny was there with his camera snapping away.
Johnny was a music lover and was lead singer of a high school rock and roll band. He amassed quite a record collection over the years and attended concerts by some of the most influential bands to ever grace the stage.
It wasn't until later in life that Johnny finally settled down after reconnecting with his childhood sweetheart and neighbor, Beth Waterhouse. They were married in 2015.
Johnny will be missed greatly by all his friends and family.
Survivors include a brother, Michael Ridgeway (Rikki), of Jacksonville, FL, a nephew, Russ Ridgeway (Hannah) of Tifton GA, and a great-nephew and great-niece, Tanner and Abagail Ridgeway. He also leaves behind his step-sister, Judie Johnson Baye of Perry GA, and his step-mother, Berma Ridgeway of Fitzgerald.
He was preceded in death by his wife, his mother and father, two infant brothers, and his step-father, Dr. Roy Johnson.
Due to the current spread of the COVID virus, a celebration of life will be held at a later date and will include music, laughter, food, and friends; all the things Johnny loved.