Bill Ridley

Loving, independent, and kind, Bill Ridley lived a life rich in faith, family, and friends. As a devout Christian, Bill embodied the principles of his faith, leading with his heart and sharing his gifts and talents in the service of his community. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, fellowship member, and friend, Bill will always be remembered for his love of the Lord and his desire to spread the Word of the Lord to others.

Despite the obvious gloom of the growing conflict in Europe, 1938 held much to celebrate, including the end of the Great Depression, Seabiscuit's historic win, and Superman's first appearance. As the U.S. actively armed up for war, families continued to center their lives on love and hope for a brighter future. Nowhere was that hope more evident than in the hearts and home of Atherton and Beulah Ridley as they welcomed their son, Bill, into their family on March 9, in Douglas, Michigan.

The youngest of the three Ridley children, Bill, enjoyed the good company of his older sisters Janet and Nancy. Bill attended elementary school in Holland, Michigan, and in his earliest days, he developed a passion for music. He loved playing guitar and singing, and at 16, when he asked to take music lessons, his father said he could only take them if he paid for them himself. With great determination and resolve, Bill worked several part-time jobs toearn the money to pay for his lessons. Worked at the drive-in theater to pay for his music lessons.

While a student at Rogers High School, Bill decided to stop attending classes for one year and hitchhiked across the United States to California. Then he decided to come back home and graduated from high school in 1952.

For a time, Bill played guitar in two bands, the Four Scotts and True Tones. The bands played in Grand Rapids, Canada, and Illinois, and recorded an album.

When Bill's sister introduced him to her children's babysitter, Nancy Weaver, Bill grew quite smitten. He would visit Nancy while she worked, and soon they were dating regularly. With their hearts set on sharing the future, Bill and Nancy married in 1967 in Grand Rapids.

After celebrating their nuptials with a honeymoon to Florida, the newlyweds settled into their first home in a trailer park in Kentwood, Michigan. In 1968, they moved to a trailer in Muskegon.

Having made his public profession of faith before marrying, Bill wanted to share it with others, and on their first wedding anniversary, he told Nancy he wanted to go back to school. With Nancy's support, Bill enrolled at Reformed Bible College and began taking classes. While he attended school, the couple moved back to Grand Rapids and lived in their trailer again. When he graduated from Reformed Bible School in 1971, he earned a degree as an evangelistic professional. Nancy and Bill purchased a house on Margaret Street in Grand Rapids, and Bill began working for Forgotten Man Ministries in the Kent County Prison and the Jackson Jail.

During this time, Bill and Nancy's first daughter, Tammy, was born. Bill was always very attentive and able to help out as needed. In 1974, the family moved to Cape Coral, Florida, and Bill started working at Cape Coral Christian Reformed Church as an evangelist.

Two years later, the family returned to Michigan, and Bill worked at Horse Shoe CRC as the lead pastor for a time before they purchased the family home on Hamstead Street in Grand Rapids. The family also grew to include two more children, Jennifer and Bill, during these years. When the kids were young, the family enjoyed camping in their trailer.

For nine years, Bill served as the associate pastor at Gold CRC before becoming the associate pastor at Bethel CRC and assisting at Princeton CRC where needed. Never ashamed of his faith or his love for Jesus, Bill was willing to tell anyone he met about Jesus, and he was always willing to change and adapt to the situations around him. After retiring from the pastorate, Bill and his daughter, Tammy, founded WT Fleet Services. The company specializes in providing tailored solutions for trucking compliance. Bill effectively used his communication skills in sales and customer relations and retired at 65.

Bill's lifelong love of music led him to play piano and guitar by ear. He owned three guitars, loved playing with others, helped out at church from time to time, and played at the Howard City Senior Center. Bill also enjoyed traveling and was blessed to make many trips over the years. Some of his favorite travels included trips to Florida, Hawaii, exploring the western states and Yellowstone National Park, and taking many different cruises.

As we celebrate Bill's life, may we find deep comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying his legacy of unwavering faith, hope, and love forward. In each moment we choose faith over fear, lead with our hearts, generously serve others, encourage our loved ones' goals and dreams, share our love for music, and travel with our beloveds, we keep Bill's memory alive and inspiring others as he inspired each of us.

William (Bill) Ridley, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, entered his heavenly home on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in the comforts of his home and with his loving and caring family by his side. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Atherton and Beulah Ridley. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy; his children, Tammy (Dave) Ledkins, Jennifer (Jeff) Bakhuyzen, and Bill (Marie) Ridley; his grandchildren, Andrew, Erin, Tyler, Braden, Mia, Addison, and Max.

A service to remember Bill will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 2 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive, NW, Grand Rapids, MI 40504. Bill's family will receive visitors an hour prior to the service as well as after the service for a time of refreshments. Memorial contributions in Bill's honor may be directed to Friends and Family of Cystic Fibrosis www.friendsandfamiliesofcf.org/support-us. To leave a memory or sign Bill's personal guest book, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com