Jennings Farrell Ridenhour, 89, of Gold Hill, NC, passed away Thursday, December 7, 2023 at his home. The family will receive friends Friday December 22, from 12:45 PM to 1:45 PM at Stanly Funeral Home in Albemarle. A graveside service will follow the receiving of friends at Stanly Gardens of Memory at 2 PM with Pastor Ron Loflin officiating.
Born December 11, 1933, in Stanly County, he was the son of the late Elbert Ray Ridenhour and Geneva Rebecca Burris Ridenhour. He was a graduate of Albemarle High School, class of 1951. Farrell joined the US Navy and served for two years and transferred to the US Air Force where he retired as a Major. He graduated from NC State with a bachelor’s degree in Textiles and later graduated from the Citadel with a master’s in education. He taught high school math in South Carolina for many years. Farrell will be remembered by his love of God, his Country, and family. He was very passionate about being present for family reunions. He was a lifelong learner and teacher, very independent, and enjoyed learning how things work. Over the past twenty years, Farrell split time between North Carolina and Florida.
Mr. Ridenhour is survived by two daughters, Beth Drye and husband Randy of Richfield, and Jennifer Senf and husband Scott of Mt. Pleasant, SC. He is also survived by grandchildren Katie Wood (Tim), Caroline Wade (Michael), Allie Shelby (Creighton), Sarah Drye, one great-grandson William Wood and niece, Tonia Turner.
In addition to his parents, Farrell is preceded in death by his wife of thirty-two years, Dorothy Mae Topps Ridenhour, brother Ernest Ridenhour, nephew Buddy Ridenhour and niece Sherry Ridenhour.
Stanly Funeral & Cremation Care of Albemarle is serving the Ridenhour family.