Harry William Ridley Jr.

Harry William “Bill” Ridley, Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia passed away Friday, September 28, 2012 from complications associated with congestive heart failure. He is pre-deceased by his parents and his younger brothers Robert and James. He is survived by his beloved bride of 63 years, Frances Jo Pattillo Ridley of Atlanta, his son John Pattillo Ridley and his daughter-in-law Susan Hart Ridley of Decatur, Ga. He is pre-deceased by his parents and his younger brothers Robert and James. Also among survivors are son David William Ridley of Virginia and three grand-sons: Wesley Sevier Ridley of Decatur, and Michael and Thomas Ridley of Virginia.

Dr. Ridley was born in Atlanta September 14, 1926 to Dr. Harry William Ridley Sr. and Ruby Latham Ridley, RN, of Atlanta at Emory University Hospital. He grew up in the Virginia Highlands neighborhood and graduated from Boys High - what is now Druid Hills High School. Following graduation from High School and with WW2 raging in both Europe and in the Pacific, the armed forces induction service determined that Bill was medically ineligible for service in the regular armed forces. As a committed patriot, Bill voluntarily enlisted in the Merchant Marine and served as the medical officer aboard the SS Alhambra Victory troop ship until 1946. During this time, his ship transported American GIs to Europe and German POWs back to the US. At the conclusion of hostilities in Europe, his ship brought home American troops and returned Germans POWs to Europe. Upon his return to Atlanta, Bill earned a BA in Accounting and Economics from Emory University in 1949. During his undergraduate time at Emory Bill served as the President of Delta-Tau-Delta fraternity. Bill and Jo were married following his graduation in 1949. Bill later earned his law degree from Emory in 1962. Bill practiced international contracts law until his retirement in 1985. Bill’s practice led him and Jo to establish homesteads in Annapolis, Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne, Ellicott City and Orlando during his career. Bill and Jo loved ocean cruises, playing golf, bridge, and held a deep appreciation for Maryland styled steamed crabs, shrimp, and oysters. The consummate fix-it man, Bill attended technical school in his retirement and earned his certifications in electricity, HVAC, welding, small engine, and clock repair. His youngest son John, said “He was my best friend, my best man when I married Susan, and one of the most brilliant and compassionate person I’ve ever known. I will miss him more than I know how to express.”

Arrangements by HM Patterson and & Son, Spring Hill. Donations may be made to Alpine Cemetery Fund, c/o Rebecca Young, 950 South Shinbone Rd., Menlo, Georgia 30731.

Online condolences may be made at www.hmpattesonspringhill.com.