Merritt Alexander Ridgeley Jr

Merritt "Merkie" Alexander Ridgeley, age 55 of Harrogate, TN passed away in Indiana on April 27, 2017. He was born May 23, 1961. He loved hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. He especially loved guns and killed two black bears in his earlier years. He was a dedicated TN Vols fan who lived life to the fullest. He was known for his strong work ethics, ability to make friends and talk to anyone as well as always helping anyone he could. His beloved wife, Rose, considered him to be the very best husband a wife could ask for and his children feel blessed to have had the best dad ever.

"Merkie" loved his job and worked for an amazing boss. Work required that he travel often as an outstanding employee of Wisko America where he was employed for 29 years. He actually met his wife when traveling from his home state of Maryland to do the water proofing for the Cumberland Gap Tunnel that connects Tennessee and Kentucky. His precious daughter stated best how his family felt about him as she said, "How lucky I (we) am (are) to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." Friends, family, co-workers, and the many people he met throughout his life feel honored and lucky to have known such a caring, hard working and genuinely kind man who loved his family with all his heart. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Family and friends will forever celebrate his life and legacy along with the many happy memories they have.

He was preceded in death by his parents the late Merritt Alexander Ridgeley Sr. & Shirley Ann Myers Ridgeley.

He is survived by his adoring wife of 24 years, Rose Ridgeley; daughter Ashley McKayla Ridgeley (& fiancé Lucas Elliott); son Bo (& Kristina) Gambrel; step daughter April (& Frank) Baker; his grandchidren - Peyton Gambrel, Conner Elliott, Whitney and Jaxon Baker. In addition he was survived by family members - Lesa Estell Davis of Winchester, VA, Vickie Lynn Cain of Charlestown, WV and Patrick Walter Ridgeley of Strasburg, VA and a multitude of family and friends.

Funeral service will be 7 PM Monday May 1, 2017 at Reece Valley Chapel with Aster Simpson & Kevin Zumbrum officiating. Visitation will be 5-7 PM. Burial will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery. Pallbearers: Chad Sanders, Bruno Raposo, Demetrio Reyes, Rafael Echeverria, John Lisanti, Robert Meeks, David Young, & Eric Sharpe. Honorary Pallbearers: Peter & Christina Strasser.

Reece Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family. Please visit www.reecefh.com to send condolences and view forthcoming digital memorial or call 423-869-3651.