Jerry Austin Ridgeway

Jerry Austin Ridgeway, 82, of Randolph passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Jerry was born March 12, 1943, the son of Ernest and Sadie Ridgeway. After graduation from Randolph Henry High School, Jerry then carried on his family legacy of farming. He and his brother, Robert, farmed tobacco on their family land for many years. Jerry also proudly retired from the United States Postal Service after forty years of service. Above the title’s farmer and mailman, he was most proud to be called ‘Daddy’ and ‘Papa’. Jerry treasured his family and never missed an opportunity to share stories of their accomplishments.

Jerry loved nature and was an avid outdoorsman. His favorite pastimes were hunting, fishing, golfing, and gardening. He and his wife Cathy enjoyed these hobbies side by side for 63 years. If you ever spent time with him you were guaranteed to hear about his last hunt, offered to go fishing, asked to play a round of golf, or given fresh vegetables from his garden.

Jerry was a lifelong member of New Hope Methodist Church. He was very proud to have recommitted his life to the Lord, eighteen years ago.

Preceding him in death was his mother, Sadie Eades Ridgeway; father, Ernest Dalice Ridgeway; and brother, Douglas Wayne Ridgeway.

Jerry is survived by his devoted wife, Catherine Holt Ridgeway; beloved children, Amy Ridgeway Francisco (Keevin), Audrey Ridgeway Knott (Johnnie), Jerry Austin Ridgeway II (Minnie); cherished grandchildren, Lauren Carwile (Seth), Landon Francisco (Sara), Brooke Moore (Austin), Hunter Knott, Lucas Ridgeway; great-grandchildren, Emersyn, Catherine, Cohen, Madison, Stella, Sophie, Presleigh, and Hudson. He is also survived by step-grandchildren, Magin Sparks (Cody), Jackson Knott (Elizabeth), Maggie, Gunnar, Grady, Jax, Ava, Andi, Arlo, and Adley. Three siblings also survive him, Joel Allen Ridgeway (Brenda), Robert Carl Ridgeway (Jenny), and Mildred Alice Dunn.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at New Hope Methodist Church, Randolph, VA. The family will receive friends at 12:30 p.m., at New Hope prior to the service. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Jerry to New Hope Methodist Church or the Barksdale Cancer Foundation. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA is in charge of arrangements.