Funeral services for Buddy Ray Ridenour set

Funeral services for Buddy Ray Ridenour, 89, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, are 2 p.m. Friday at Cavanaugh Freewill Baptist Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Officiating the service will be Reverend Ray Copeland and Reverend Jason Nichols. Burial will follow at Macedonia Cemetery in Pocola, under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home of Spiro.
Buddy was born Feb. 9, 1936 in Pocola to Willie Belle (Maxwell) Ridenour and Ray Howard Ridenour. He passed away July 7, 2025, in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

A 1954 graduate of Pocola High School, Buddy began his career as a telegrapher in railroad service before proudly serving his country in the United States Army. After his military service, he moved to California, where he was employed by Ethan Allen and pursued his education, earning an accounting degree from UCLA.

Buddy had a deep passion for gardening and growing flowers and was an avid stamp collector. He also enjoyed spending time with family and researching his ancestry. Above all, he was a devoted and faithful follower of Christ.

Surviving family members are two sisters Sally Collins of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Betty Wilcox and husband Roger of Amarillo, Texas; one brother Clayton Ridenour and wife Kathleen of Spiro; a sister-in-law, Sandra Ridenour; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends, who will miss him greatly.

He was preceded in death by his parents Willie Belle ((Maxwell) Ridenour and Ray Howard Ridenour; one sister, Ruby Cusick; and two brothers Bob Ridenour and Aaron Ridenour.
Pallbearers are Jeremy Ridenour, Jason Ridenour, Memphis Ridenour, Presley Ridenour, Brian Sevier and Shawn Lovell.

Viewing and visitation are Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. with the family greeting friends during that time.

Buddy will be remembered for his quiet strength, his love of family, and his unwavering faith.

You may leave an online message at www.MalloryMartinFuneralHomeSpiro.com.