Gary L. Ridge 81, of Aledo, Texas passed away on the morning of December 22nd, 2022, surrounded by his family. Gary was born on July 1st, 1941, in Moline, Illinois to Henry G. and Dorothy R. (Easley) Ridge. He attended school in Brashear, Missouri where he was a terrific athlete, lettering in both basketball and softball, as well as playing American Legion baseball in nearby Kirksville, Missouri. Between his sophomore and junior years of high school he and his parents moved to Boulder, Colorado where he graduated from Boulder High School. He then enlisted in the Air Force where he served his country for four years in Europe and here at home. Upon his return from the service he attended Colorado University and then worked in various sales capacities in Colorado, New Mexico and Texas, eventually settling in the Fort Worth area. He loved the West and Southwest.

In 1992, he founded Ridge Roofs and built a very successful business which gave him the opportunity to touch many lives with his kindness, compassion and quick wit. He was always up for discussion especially during Bible Study - he witnessed to everyone who would listen.

On a lighter note, Gary had a lifelong love affair with peanut butter and grape jelly on toast. That was his breakfast daily since he was a child. He was also a dapper dresser. His sense of style was impeccable. He created his own style and didn’t take fashion cues from anyone.

Gary and Sahodra were married in 2009. This marriage brought him 3 additional sons: Raun, Kevin, and Floyd. Other children include Derek, James, and Jennifer. Gary was blessed with 13 grandchildren and he was known as Dad, Grand Dad, Daddy G, Papa Gary, and Treeman.

Gary, had a lifelong interest in the universe around us and the hobby of astronomy. He was a member of the Fort Worth Astronomical Society.

Gary is preceded in death by both of his parents. He is survived by his wife, Sahodra, 6 children and 13 grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, Ronald and David Ridge.

Gary was a kind and compassionate soul. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you do as Gary did by paying it forward and doing a random act of kindness for someone.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 5, 2023, at the Galbreaith-Pickard Hilltop Chapel, 4941 I-20 Frontage Rd, Willow Park, Texas 76087. Visitation will begin two hours prior to the service time, from noon to 2:00 p.m.

A graveside ceremony will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 6, 2023, at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, Texas 75211.

A Celebration of Life will take place from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at Lakeside Presbyterian Church located at 2701 W Southlake Blvd, Southlake, TX, 76092.