Lamar Ridgeway

BETHLEHEM - Lamar Ridgeway, 88, died Wednesday, December 29, 2010.

Born in Winder, he was the son of the late William Asbury and Abbie Jane Kilgore Ridgeway and was the youngest of seven children. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette Cronic Ridgeway.

Mr. Ridgeway was a retired Postmaster from the Bethlehem Post Office after 25 years of service, where he originated the Bethlehem Christmas stamp. He joined the Bethlehem First United Methodist Church when he was seven years old and had been a member for the longest period of time than any other member. Mr. Ridgeway was a veteran having served in the United States Army during World War II.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, David and Judy Ridgeway, Bethlehem; grandchildren, Brooklynn Davis, Allison Hawkins, Katie Reynolds and Amanda Clark; great-grandchildren, Ridge and Elijah Davis, Kaylan and Madelyn Hawkins, Jeremy and Isaac Reynolds and Savannah, Alyssa and Bryson Clark; sister-in-laws, Julia Ridgeway and Eunice Guffin; and brother-in-law, Lewis Cronic.

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 31, at 2 p.m. from Bethlehem First United Methodist Church, with the Revs. Parker Benson and Harold Corbin officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday, December 30, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Bethlehem First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 235, Bethlehem, GA 30620.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements.