The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1911-10-03
n. C. RIDGE


On Saturday afternoon. September
card. just as the sun was sinking IN
the west. the spirit of r. c. Ridge OF
Belleview. winged its flight from earth
10 heaven. After year of intense
suffering and helplessness. borne with
patient resignation to the divine will.
the end came sweetly and peacefully.
In early life he became Christian
and began to travel the road that ever
leads upward. At its noontide the
way was growing constantly brighter.
and the sunset at the age OF sixty-six
was glorious
Having lived in Belleview for over
a quarter OF a century, he was known
by almost everyon Sober. honest.
faithful and Industrious. he easily won
the respect of those who knew him,
and the large concourse Of friends who
attended the funeral services at the
Methodist church Sunday afternoon
attested the esteem in which he was
held in this and the surrounding coun-
try.
He had flied many positions OF hon
or and trust in our little town and
filled them we'll He was public
spirited and progressive in his views
and keen1y interested in anything that
tended to the upbuilding OF the moral.
social. intellectual or spiritual de-
|veIopment OF our people.
He was man Of large charity and
no one ever appealed to him in vain.
Wherever there was sickness. death
or distress of any kind. you would be
sure to find him. Never too busy, new
er too tired to minister to the needs
of others, he was always the first man
to be called upon in any hour of emer-
geney or distress.
| Up to within the last year his life
had been strenuous one, but disease
laid its hand upon him, and for over
a year he lived in enforced idleness.
He seemed to realize the truth that
they also sever who stand and watt
and the same courage and fortitude
that characterized his busy, active life,
was beautifully manifested in the way
in which he bore the suffering OF the
past year.
| He was an ardent advocate Of the
Temperance cause. and his last public
act was to cast vote for prohibition
last November. Though too feeble to
walk alone, he insisted on being car
ried to the pools that he might cast
one more vote in defense of our homes
he, I'll case my vote for the amend
ment II have to be carried on bed
God give us more such men and soon
there would be no saloon left to blight
our homes or curse our state. Today
just above his quiet heart nestles the
little white ribbon bow. which he wore
that day /.
For many years he had been an Of
fetal member of the Methodist church
and for some time it's Sunday school
superintendent Always the friend OF
the children, twas fitting and
touching evidence of their love wher
leach little child as it passed to take q
last look at the beloved face placed 8
few flowers on the casket.
Truly the greatest blessing to any
community is the life Of good man
1t blesses us while he Is with us and
his memory and influence are as oint.
ment poured forth long after he is
dead. Mr.. Ridge will be missed as nc
other man in this place could be.
He leaves devoted wife, one
daughter, Mrs. o. NJ. Gale and three
grandchildren, together with a host
of friends to mourn his death. To thu
bereaved family the entire communit,
extends deepest and heartfelt sympa-
thy