William Ridinger

Nelson Ridinger, 87, of Christiansburg passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, April 9, 2008.

He was the son of Harvey Jackson Ridinger Sr. and Hester Blanche Jennings. In addition to his first wife, Elizabeth Anne Dale, and his oldest daughter Linda Ridinger Smith, he was also preceded in death by his brother Harvey J. Ridinger Jr.

Nelson is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Sandra Sarver Ridinger, daughter Jane Ridinger of Matthews, NC; daughter and son-in-law Anne and Joe Maroon, Midlothian, VA; stepson and daughter-in-law Jay and Brenda Foster, Roanoke, VA and stepdaughter Leslie Irving, Roanoke, VA; ten grandchildren Dustin Clifford, Adam Smith, Greg Smith, Jordan Maroon, Garrett Maroon, Alexandra Foster, Brittany Foster, Brooke Mitchell, Sarah Mitchell, and Ryan Mitchell.

Nelson graduated from Christiansburg High School in 1938. He proceeded to get his degree in Pharmacy from the Medical College of Virginia in 1942. Nelson answered the call to serve his country in WWII by attending an accelerated officer-training program at Columbia University. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy and was assigned to the Admiral's command ship for the Utah Beach Sector during the D-Day invasion. Nelson's military honors include medals for the European Campaign and two battle stars.

Nelson returned to Christiansburg in 1949 to raise his family and become an active member of the local business community. He began work at Thompson-Hagan Drug Store as a pharmacist in 1949 and retired as the owner of the oldest continuous business in Montgomery County in
1979. Nelson was an active business partner in Town & Country Estates, Arcnel Corporation and owner of Ridgedale Farms rea1-estate development.

Over the years, Nelson also served in numerous community leadership roles. Nelson was President of the Christiansburg Chamber of Commerce and was Chairman of St. Paul's Administrative Board, the local library board and Red Cross of America. He worked to get the Altamont Hospital on Radford Road incorporated into the Montgomery Regional Hospital and served on its board as a named trustee of the hospital. Nelson faithfully served 41 years as a Director of First National Bank (FNB) in Christiansburg and served as its Chairman of the Board before retiring in 1998.

Nelson enjoyed spending time with his beloved family - especially over the holidays where poppa's special popcorn was always a highlight of time spent together. Nelson also had a love for horses and spending time outdoors on his farm in Christiansburg. In recent years, Nelson's time and energy were focused on playing cards with his friends at night and enjoying time with them on the golf course during the day. He will be greatly missed by all of us.

The family will receive friends Friday, April 11, 2008, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 12, 2008, at St. Paul United Methodist Church with Dr. David Goodpasture and Rev. Brian Siegle officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Cemetery, Christiansburg,VA.

The family wishes to express special thanks to Dr. Michael Payne for his care and concern during this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 220 West Main Street, Christiansburg, VA 24073.