James “Tommy” Ridenour Sr.
On Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, James “Tommy” Ridenour Sr., of Ladson, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at the age of 85. He went to meet his Lord and Savior. He was born on April 17, 1939, in Clinton, Tennessee, to Clyde and Helen Ridenour.
Tommy was raised in the mountains of Clinton, but left at age 17 to join the U.S. Navy. His Navy career took him to many places, as he became a submariner. His final station was the Charleston, South Carolina, Naval Base, which became his home. After his time in the Navy, he worked as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, from which he retired.
Tommy had a passion for old cars, where some of his children would play while he worked under the hood. He loved shooting pool, and twice won trips to Las Vegas to compete in national championships. He was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed recounting the many trips he and his brother David made to races, parking in the center circle. Tommy’s love for racing extended to a brief career in stock car racing.
Tommy was known for his generosity. He offered friends a place to stay, never met a stranger, and gave what he could to anyone in need. He also made monthly tithes to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Tommy was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Guess Ridenour; his mother, Helen Oliver Ridenour; his sisters, June “Buggy” Hammonds and Janice Hatmaker. He is survived by his brother, David Ridenour and Gwenn Sanford; sisters, Jennie Hodges (Eddie) and Lois McMillan (Charlie); his children, James Thomas Ridenour Jr., Judi Kay Ridenour Marek, Becky Barrett, Tom Ridenour, Roy Ruppert, Denise Hanna Lundblad, and Cherie Muldoon Nyhus. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at his home, 1240 Royle Road, Ladson, South Carolina. Time is yet to be determined, with additional information to be posted on Afterall.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The family would like to thank Darren Floyd for his many hours of talking and praying with Tommy. Special appreciation is also extended to Tommy’s lifelong friend, Glenn Alley, and all the friends he made during his time with us.
