Bill Text: MS SC586 | 2011 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commend life of World War II Veteran, former Mississippi Representative and Jackson businessman William B. Ridgway.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2011-02-18 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC586 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2011-SC586-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2011 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Michel, Butler (38th), Carmichael, Chassaniol, Dearing, Fillingane, Frazier, Jackson (11th), Jackson (15th), Jackson (32nd), Lee (35th), McDaniel, Montgomery, Watson, Yancey
Senate Concurrent Resolution 586
(As Adopted by Senate and House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMENDING THE MILITARY AND PUBLIC SERVICE OF WORLD WAR II VETERAN, FORMER MISSISSIPPI REPRESENTATIVE AND RESPECTED JACKSON BUSINESSMAN WILLIAM BRYANT RIDGWAY.
WHEREAS, respected Jackson lawyer, real estate broker, Mississippi Representative and World War II Army Air Corp Veteran William Bryant Ridgway (91) passed away on December 13, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Ridgway was born in Jackson on February 12, 1919, and graduated from Jackson Central High School in 1936. He attended Millsaps College and was a 1940 graduate of The University of Mississippi, and he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order; and
WHEREAS, in October 1941, Ridgway joined the United States Army Air Corps. He was an instructor for advanced pilot training for two years, then served as a B-24 Liberator pilot attached to the 467th Bomb Group with the 8th Air Force in Rackheath, England. He flew 14 combat missions before the war in Europe ended in May 1945. He was honorably discharged from active duty in the Air Force in October 1945, but continued service in the U.S. Air Force Reserves until October 1968, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel; and
WHEREAS, after returning to civilian life, Colonel Ridgway graduated from the Jackson School of Law in 1947, and was admitted to the Bar. He was a real estate broker, a principal in Ridgway Management Inc., and was active in the oil and gas, real estate and timber businesses. He was an active member of Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church for 85 years, where he served on the Visitation Committee, delivered meals on wheels, taught Sunday School, served as lay leader and Chairman of the Administrative Board. Ridgway was a member of the Monday Morning Bible Study Group at Galloway for almost 40 years, and served on the Board of the Methodist Children's Home. He served as President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Men's Y Club, and the Jackson Central Lions Club; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ridgway served one term in the Mississippi House of Representatives as a representative for Hinds and Yazoo Counties; and
WHEREAS, Ridgway was a charter member of the River Hills Club, where he enjoyed weekly tennis games until age 80. He was a member of the Chancellor's Trust at The University of Mississippi, and he was a passionate fan of Ole Miss football. He loved time with family and friends, enjoyed traveling, hiking and fishing, and believed serving anyone in need was a privilege. He felt blessed beyond measures each day of his life; and
WHEREAS, Ridgway was the son of Charles Robert Ridgway, Jr., and Hattie Lewis Ridgway. He was predeceased by his daughter, Patricia Ann Ridgway; his parents; sisters, Alice Blount and Ruth Boswell; and brothers, Richard Ridgway and Walter Stevens Ridgway II. Survivors are Juanita Wallace Ridgway, his loving wife of 60 years; son, William Bryant (Creed) Ridgway, Jr.; daughter, Ruth (Eric) Ridgway; son, Douglas Wallace (Deane) Ridgway; son, James Lewis Ridgway; grandchildren, William Bryant Ridgway III, Mary Kathryn Ridgway, Shannon Grace West, and Haley Elizabeth West; and his older brother Charles Robert Ridgway III; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ridgway dedicated his life to helping the City of Jackson, and it is with sadness that we note the passing of this leading citizen who will be missed by his community and by the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commend the military and public service of World War II Army Air Corps Veteran, former Mississippi Representative and respected Jackson businessman William Bryant Ridgway and extend our sympathy to his surviving family on his passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Mr. Ridgway and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
