Wade Ridley

Wade Robert Ridley, 71, of Cleveland, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at his home with his beloved wife Susan, and his step-son Josh at his side.

Born in Oconee Couty, SC on 20 May 1954, Wade was the son of Dewey Wade and Irene Edna Williams Ridley. He attended school in White County. As a young man he worked in cotton mills and in the pulpwood industry.

Wade was an avid Dale Earnhardt fan and collected all his Nascar memorabilia. He also loved to collect knives, and zippo lighters. When he wasn’t fishing, you could often find him in his shop working on and restoring old cars and trucks. He also liked teaching Susan how to play billiards so that he could then turn around and beat her at it.

Wade’s second home was the Huddle House in Clarkesville where he considered everyone of the staff family,

Wade is survived by his wife of 22 years, Susan Parham Ridley, sons, Dewey Robert Ridley of Mt. Airy and Stanley Wade Ridley of Toccoa, step-son and daughter-in law Joshua and Melissa Christy of Blue Ridge, grandchildren, Joey Luke Collins, Holly Collins, Emily Alexander, Korbin Adair Christy, Joseph Alexander Christy, Kayla May Christy, and Christian Christy, great grandson Landon Johnson. And his cousins who have always been more like siblings: Ricky Ridley, Kathy Smith, and Evelyn Denson . In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Charles Garrett.

Memorial services are scheduled for 2 pm, Saturday, March 21, 2026, in the Chapel of Barrett Funeral Home with Preacher Bobby Parham officiating. The family will receive friends at 1 pm prior to the service.

An online guest register is available at www.barrettfh.com.

Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland. 706-865-3101

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