William Herman Ridgeway, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away in Groves, Texas at the age of 97. He was born on November 11, 1926, in Rattan, LA. Herman led a fulfilling life surrounded by love and family. Herman served in the Merchant Marine Service of the Coast Guard from November 1944, thru the end of World War II, sailing in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Mediterranean. He was of the Baptist faith and was a member of Bible Baptist Church. He was also a member of Cosmopolitan Masonic Lodge #872. Herman worked at the Texaco Can factory from the early 1950’s until its closure, when he transferred to the main plant, from which he retired. He is reunited in eternal peace with his devoted wife of 71 years, Norma Loretta Ridgeway. Herman was also preceded in death by his parents, William A. Ridgeway and Viola Byrd Ridgeway, and his siblings: Esteree Bishop, Ruth Byrd, Betty Ledbetter, James Ridgeway, and Bobby Ridgeway.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories in the hearts of his surviving family members. Herman will be deeply missed by his daughters: Karen Juno (Ed) of Marshall, TX; Vicki Day (Steve) of Wichita, KS; Denise Myers (Marc) of Asheboro, NC; Lisa Roy (Tim) of Groves, TX; and son, Randy Ridgeway (Elaine) of Lafayette, LA. Additionally, he is survived by his 14 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. His sister, Mary Ann James (Winthrop, Jr.), of Athens, TX also mourns his loss.
A visitation to honor Herman's life will take place on March 19 at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves, TX from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM followed by a Funeral Service at the same location from 2:00 PM with Masonic Rites. The burial will be held at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches.
The family would like to give a special thank you to all the loving hands that have touched and cared for our dad. We would also like to give a special thank you to Penny Lee and her staff at Forever Young. Penny and her staff cared for dad like he was their own. His time there was filled with love, laughter, great food, and dessert! We cannot express our heartfelt gratitude enough.
Herman Ridgeway's gentle soul and kind spirit will forever be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace.