In loving memory of Thornton Jett Ridinger

Obituary

Thornton Jett Ridinger, 83, died on Monday January 13^th 2025.

Thornton was born in Charleston, WV on July 30, 1941, to Claude and Margaret Ridinger. He grew up in Charleston’s East End with his brother Claude and sister Carol. He attended high school in Deland FL, graduating from Florida Military School in 1959. Thornton was a graduate of Morris Harvey College in West Virginia and also received a Master of Public Administration from Penn State University. He joined the Army, serving from 1966-69, and leaving active duty with the rank of First Lieutenant. After the Army, Thornton began his career with the State of Illinois. He held various positions within the State spending the majority of his tenure in the Division of Economic Opportunity, Department of Commerce and Community Affairs. This work created a lifelong interest into the plight of disadvantaged people in our society. He was active in organizations focused on issues such as homelessness, and, in his retirement, enjoyed being a part of F.A.I.T.H. of Volusia County.

In 1965, Thornton married Judy Akers and they had three children. Jeffery, Michael, and Catherine. They moved to Springfield, Illinois in 1970 and raised their family there. Thornton was baptized in 1972 with his two sons at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Springfield. He would later serve as a Deacon and Elder at Westminster. When he moved to Ormond Beach, Florida, he joined Lighthouse Christ Presbyterian Church, and was active in the men’s bible study and installed as an Elder in the church. A Freemason, he joined The Masonic Fraternity Central Lodge #71 A.F. A.M. in 1988 in Springfield. Receiving a 32^nd degree in Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Springfield and serving as Worshipful Master from 1992-93.

Retiring to Florida in 1999, he had the opportunity to renew old friendships upon meeting a neighbor that was a classmate at FMS. Together, they built the Florida Military School Alumni Association, connecting cadets from years past with each other. He also participated in local organization including the Kiwanis, Ormond Beach Lodge #326, F. & A, and serving on the Escondido condominium board. Thornton enjoyed rekindling relationships with his old classmates, his cousins, and his brother and sister. He enjoyed traveling domestically and internationally. Most of all he loved his family and was able to enjoy extended visits with his children recently. He is survived by his big sister Carol Scott, his children Jeffery (Karie), Michael (Dana), Cathy (Dan)McLagan and five grandchildren.

Memorial Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Friday February 7, at Lighthouse Christ Presbyterian Church, 1035 W Granada Blvd, Ormond with Rev. Dr. Jason Hefner officiating. A luncheon will follow the ceremony. Memorial contributions may be made to F.A.I.T.H. Volusia or Shriner’s Children. The family is being served by Baldwin Brothers at 1185 W. Granada Blvd, Unit 11, Ormond Beach.