Ronnie Brandon Ridge

Spartanburg, SC- Ronnie Brandon Ridge, 19, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 8, 2013. Brandon was the son of Ronnie Wayne Ridge of Spartanburg and Jo Ann Wilson of High Point, NC. During the final two years of his life, he spent the majority of his time living with, working for, and recreating with his mentors; Greg Sims, Gerd Faulstich, and Kelly and Charles Reid, and their sons, Seth and Finn, all of Spartanburg. Brandon worked for Sodfather Landscaping, then Bau Construction, and the Deli Korner Restaurant. He enjoyed hard work, riding his bike, telling stores, making people laugh, listening to music, and knee boarding and tubing during the summertime at Lake Lure, NC. He was most proud of earning his GED through the Spartanburg ACHIEVE program of USC Upstate last September, after which he was selected to participate in the Youth Alliance Leadership through the Upstate Workforce Investment Board. At the time of his death, Brandon was eagerly anticipating career placement as a Park Ranger 1 with Croft State Park in Spartanburg, SC. In addition to his parents and mentors, he is survived by his much loved sisters, Roxanne Bell and Aileen Conner, both of High Point, and Tammy Hollingsworth of Wilkesboro, NC; grandparents, Troy Wayne and Betty Jean Wilson of High Point; aunt and cousin, Ronda and Shane Hughes of Spartanburg; and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins from the High Point, NC area and Hudson, FL. Brandon was predeceased by his beloved grandmother and primary care giver, Geraldine Ridge and his grandfather Ronnie Lee Ridge. A memorial service will be held in the chapel at First Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg on Monday, January 14, 2013 at 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the ACHIEVE Program c/o USC Upstate Foundation, 800 University Way, Spartanburg, SC 29303.