Charles "Bus" Avory Ridings

Charles Avory (BUS) Ridings is now at Jesus' Feet waiting on the rest of us. Born to Susan Burns Ridings and Alex Ridings on March 8th, 1922 in Loudon County, Tennessee, BUS has spent the last 91 years preparing for this moment. A whopping 12 pound plus baby, BUSTER was soon shortened to BUS when he moved to Blount County with the rest of his eleven siblings. He grew up on Rankin Road in Alcoa near Patterson's store where his mother Susan performed laundry services for local residents. Susan later married Sam Ogle and the family moved to Rocky Branch. Bus became very close to "Mr." Ogle. Sam would frequently take BUS on fishing and hunting trips on Little River and the Smokey Mountains. BUS was quite a marksman and would often tell the story of how Mr. Ogle would give him three 22 shells and tell him to go get three squirrels for the family to eat or don't come back. He always came back and so begins the legend. Growing up during the Depression Years was not an easy time for BUS and the large family. They farmed and built homes, cut firewood and performed all types of odd jobs to feed the 14 family members. To keep fit, BUS began playing basketball, baseball and continued fishing and hunting to help feed the family. Coon hunting became a special night time event for gathering meat for mother Susan to cook. Completing his elementary education at Rocky Branch, BUS advanced to Walland High School where he was a standout on Mr. Lillard's basketball team. He continued his baseball, fishing and hunting activities and often spending entire weekends walking through the Smokies. This effort produced a strong and fast young man who excelled at each task. But the main test was yet to come. Graduating from Walland, BUS continued at any type of work to be found. He, as well as many others in Rocky Branch, was fortunate to be hired by ALCOA for 18 dollars a week to inspect water lines and perform plumbing assignments. At nineteen years of age, a bright future with Alcoa looked promising until War broke out when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. One day when walking to work at ALCOA, BUS was picked up by three high school buddies including John R Walker and Barney Ogle who were on their way to join the military. They convinced Bus to sign up and he joined the Marines. He and his buddies then left Knoxville on a 3 day train ride bound for basic training in San Diego. Stopping in El Paso, he was amazed at the quality of the pink granite and limestone work at the train station and always talked about that being the highlight of the trip. BUS was acknowledged as a Sharpshooter by the Marines. After basic training, he was shipped out to the Philippines where he fought on the islands of Tarawa, Saipan and Tinian. BUS was wounded by shrapnel and his battles ended when wounded in a bayonet fight; a battle he won. While in the hospital recovering, Corporal Ridings began receiving letters of support from a young lady who had rented a room from his brother Lloyd and wife Lorie Ridings in Detroit Michigan. She was Geneva Irene Martin from Alabama and was working in an airplane production factory riveting the wings (Rosie Riveter). Intrigue led Bus to take his R and R in Detroit rather than Walland. Upon arriving in Detroit, it was "love at first sight" as BUS and Gene were married seven days later on February 3rd, 1945. After BUS' tour of duty ended, he brought his bride to Blount County and resumed his work at Alcoa, Inc. In 1947, they built their home on Rocky Branch Road where he spent 41 years retiring as Superintendent of Maintenance and Construction over the four main plants in Alcoa and raised their four children, Charles, Richard, Sherry and Janice. BUS was saved in 1956 and that was the turning point in his life and their marriage. After 68 years, the love that that began with a letter is still as strong as ever. BUS and Gene raised their children to be followers of GOD. They both taught Sunday school. BUS led singing, was Chairman of the Deacons and led many to the path of GOD over his 91 years. He saved many lives literally while in the Marines and spiritually while following GOD. BUS was a Mason, a Gideon and served in the Prison Ministry with Donnie Moore for over 20 years. BUS is survived by his wife Geneva, son Charles and wife Peggy, son Richard and wife Sharon, daughter Sherry and husband Kim and son-in-law Dan who married his now deceased daughter Janice. Grandchildren are Richard II, Tracy, Shelly, Stephen and Josh. He was pre-deceased by Grandchildren Robert and Thomas Charles. Great Grandchildren are Zach, Avery, Sage, Gage, Richard Cole and Sydney Grace. He is also survived by his brother Junior and wife Rose who spent endless hours with Bus and Gene over the last three months. Junior is the last survivor of the clan. Nieces and nephews abound from his eleven brothers and sisters. This entire family still has their "4th of July Ridings Reunion" each year at Rocky Branch Elementary School. Special thanks to the staff at Blount Memorial Hospital. Extraordinary thanks to everyone at Shannondale who loved BUS and gave special care to BUS and GENE who were together at Shannondale facilities for the last two months. They were constantly cared for by their friends and church family from Rocky Branch Bethel Baptist Church. A special thanks also goes out to Joan and Ralph, Stut and Doris, Ray Ownby, Pastor Teaster and his wife Glenda. Services will begin on Monday, July 29, 2013 at 5 PM to 7 PM for reception of family and friends at Smith Funeral & Cremation Service on Tuckaleechee Pike. In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to Rocky Branch Bethel Baptist Church continued... 1 2 Next ...continued or please give a donation to the Gideon's Bible program to be given in Bus's name to. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at 2:30 PM at Smith and Interment will follow at West Miller's Cove Baptist Church Cemetery. 865-983-1000, www.SmithMaryville.com Previous 1 2 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Charles "Bus" Avory Ridings please visit our Sympathy Store.