Mr. John Wilson Ridgeway, Jr.

John Wilson Ridgeway, Jr., passed away on May 5, 2024, in Brandon, Mississippi. Born to J.W. Ridgeway, Sr. and Dora Ridgeway (née Everett) on February 12, 1990, in Laurel, Mississippi, John was a beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend. John was known throughout his 34 years for his larger than life personality. John grew up in the Currie Settlement of Ellisville, Mississippi. He spent his childhood in the company of his sister, Yarmesia Everett, forging a sibling bond like none other. John made lifelong friends throughout his school years. His outgoing personality earned peer recognition as the first African-American to hold the Mr. South Jones High School title. After graduating from South Jones with honors in 2008, John pursued his passion for building and business at the University of Mississippi, earning a dual degree in Corporate Managerial Finance and Real Estate Analysis. His academic pursuits translated into robust professional licensures, including a real estate brokerage license and commercial/residential general contractor license with accreditation across Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama. John remained true to his roots and dedicated his professional career to continuing his father’s legacy with John W. Ridgeway Contractors, LLC | Ridgeway Homes. In 2017, John’s hard work landed him in the top 10 of The Mississippi Business Journal’s Top 50 under 40. He ultimately grew the company to one of the largest minority-owned homebuilding companies in Mississippi. From fetching water on job sites as a little boy to becoming the Chief Operating Officer, John worked tirelessly to take Ridgeway Homes to new heights and took pride in the community recognition the company received throughout South Central Mississippi. John began his religious foundation at Immaculate Conception Catholic school at three years old, where he met lifelong friends. He accepted Christ at an early age at New Hope Baptist Church in Ellisville, Mississippi. He often remarked that the only explanation for his life’s path was that God always took care of him. John joined Word of Life Church of Flowood, Mississippi in 2018, shortly after proposing to the love of his life. In 2019, John married Shauncey Ridgeway (née Hunter) in a fairytale wedding in New Orleans, Louisiana. John and Shauncey settled in Brandon, Mississippi, with their two corgis, Welshi and Winston. Together, they created a home that was a haven for love and laughter. John cherished his role as a husband and corgi dad above all others. The life of the party and never one to pass up a good time, John always enjoyed spending time with old and new friends alike. He truly lived out his life by dancing like no one was watching. John’s spontaneity and zest for life could only be matched by his equal appreciation for the quiet of everyday mundanities. John’s memory will be honored and kept alive by his devoted wife, Shauncey; loving parents, J.W. and Dora; doting siblings, Yarmesia Everett (Monoleto), Ricky Ridgeway, Shirley Kelly, Belinda Goins (Lewis), Ronald Ridgeway (Kellia), Vanassa Wilson (Alfonso), Judy Ridgeway, and Justin Ridgeway; his adoring niece and nephew, Dalton Keys and Meagan Keys; and a host of treasured friends and family.

Mr. John Wilson Ridgeway, Jr.

February 12, 1990 - May 5, 2024