Tony Ridley, age 72, of Chatsworth passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, peacefully at his home.

Tony was born on December 5, 1953, as the first child of Bobby and Glenice Harrison Ridley, residents of Murray County, Georgia. As a young boy, he spent his first two years in Anchorage, Alaska where is Dad was serving in the United States Army. The family returned to Murray County afterwards where he became an older brother to his siblings Susy, Ricky, and Clarence.

Tony proudly followed in his father's footsteps to join and honorably serve in the Army as a member of the 101st Airborne Division from 1972 to 1978.

You could always expect to find Tony outside and busy with one of his many interests including working in his vegetable garden, riding his motorcycle, and maintaining his property. He spent countless hours on a tractor mowing his yard, a next-door church property, and land owned by his father down by the river. His building workshop and the grounds of his property were a regular gathering place for family and friends to stop by. While known as 'Tony' or 'T.R.' to most, he was affectionately known as Grandpa to his grandsons, Elliott and Grady, whom he adored.

Tony was a member of Valley Baptist Church in Dalton, which is pastored by his father-in-law Charles Hamm. He was well loved by the congregation and stayed in their thoughts and prayers during the years he was unable to attend due to physical limitations and illness.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert "Bobby" Lee Ridley Sr.; stepfather, Raleigh Pearson; stepsister, Sharon Ridley; along with his grandparents, Clarence Ridley, Ruby Elrod Ridley, and Glen and Effie Harrison.

He is survived by his mother, Glenice Pearson of Chatsworth; wife, Susan Ridley of Chatsworth; daughter and son-in-law, Toni Ashley and Thor Neff of Winder; son and daughter-in-law, Robert "Bobby" Lee Ridley III and Kristen Ridley of Chatsworth; grandchildren, Elliott and Grady Neff of Winder. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Susy and Jack Hancock of Sebastian, Florida; brothers and sisters-in-laws, Ricky and Lisa Ridley, and Clarence and Lisa Ridley of Chatsworth; stepmother Lynn Ridley of Roseland, Florida; stepsister, Daphne Henderson of Dalton; stepsister, Sheryl Hipp of Chatsworth; stepbrother, Ronnie Pearson of Chatsworth; in-laws, Charles and Shirley Hamm of Dalton; and brother-in-law Jeff Hamm of Dalton. Additionally, he was a proud uncle and great uncle to his niece and nephews, their spouses, and their children.

Tony's request was to be cremated. His family will gather to celebrate his life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations to be made to one of Tony's favorite charities. These include St. Jude's, The Shriner's Children's Hospital, or The Wounded Warrior Project.