Erwin T. Ridgeway Jr. HARKERS ISLAND, N.C. – Erwin T. Ridgeway, Jr., Sonny, 84, died August 6th at his home on Harkers Island, NC. Sonny grew up in Columbia, SC. He graduated from The Citadel Military Academy in Charleston, SC, in 1943, with a B.A. in Business Administration. Following graduation he enlisted as an officer in the Army and served in WWII with the 11th and 13th Airborne in the Northern France, Rhineland and Central European Campaigns and was awarded three Bronze Stars, the American Campaign Medal and Victory Medal. Following the war he joined New York Life Insurance Company. In 1953 he became General Manager of the Raleigh, NC, office until 1966. After 21 years with New York Life, he retired and began to fulfill a long-time dream. Being an accomplished and passionate sailor, Sonny, his wife, Deta, and their son, Jim, sailed their boat the Shangri-la II to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, where they established a charter service. After running a successful charter business for 16 years, they returned to the States and retired on Harkers Island. Ridge continued to be an active member of the sailing community and enjoyed racing his Flying Scott. He was a member of the Carolina Sailing Club, and served as Commodore of the Morehead Boating Club. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Edith Murphy Ridgeway Deta daughters, Edith Sanborn Ridgeway of Raleigh, Marion Ridgeway Redmond of Beaufort, son, James Randolph Ridgeway of Harkers Island, and grandchildren, Marion Adita Lumsden, Margaret Ridgeway Lumsden, Diana Sanborn Clifton, three great-grandchildren and Count, his loyal Flat Coat Retriever. According to his wishes, he will be buried at sea in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Outerbanks Wildlife Shelter, 100 Wildlife Way, Newport, NC 28570. Arrangements are by Munden Funeral Home, Morehead City, NC. «Obituary posted: August 8, 2006» Source: http://www.thestate.com/mld/state/news/obituaries/15222102.htm 8/11/2006 10:40:27 AM sontaj
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