John Otto Ridenhour, 75, of Mooresville, N.C., passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at the S. Mitchell Mack House.

He was born August 12, 1948, in Iredell County to the late John Adam Ridenhour and Alice Louise Gurley Ridenhour. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Kenneth “Bebo” Ridenhour and Jeffery Ridenhour; sister, Donna Ervin; and granddaughter, Briana Martinez.

John was a truck driver. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and yard work. He was a huge sports fan, especially the Atlanta Braves. John loved being with his family, and he adored his grandchildren. He was a “Papaw” to many.

He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Cheryl Beckham Ridenhour; children, Tammy Brown, John Michael “Bo” Ridenhour, Kisha Foust (Jack), Melissa Geiger (Thomas), Felicia Manriquez, and Victoria Shuffler (Eric); sister, Sandra “Sam” Lail; grandchildren, Valerie Loucks (Adam), Madison Keller (Mark II), Chrissy Hopkins (Mark), Alyssa Brown, Devon Geiger, James Martinez, Aiden Neill, Hallie Geiger, Natalee Neill, Mason Geiger, Penelope Worthington, and Mila Geiger; great-grandchildren, Chrislyn Hooper, Brayden Loucks, Boone Loucks, Barrett Loucks, Jeremiah Keller, Mark Keller III (aka “Mak”), and Blake Neill; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Memorial Service will be Wednesday, December 20, at 6 p.m. in the Chapel of Cavin-Cook Funeral with Mike Cook officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be from 7 to 9 p.m. also at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Iredell County Hospice and Palliative Care, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Ridenhour family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.