Houston Robert Ridge, Jr.

Houston Robert Ridge, Jr. was born to Houston Robert Ridge, Sr. and Murray B. McAllister on July 18th, 1944 in Madera, the heart of California’s Central Valley. He was the third child of 14 siblings and first born son in the family.  As a young boy, Houston attended Second Missionary Baptist Church and gave his life to Christ at an early age. He loved vacation bible school in the summer.  He was a kind and generous person with a wonderful sense of humor who loved family. As a child, Houston always wanted to play sports. But, his father would not give his blessing as Houston suffered from Asthma. When Houston graduated from high school, he enrolled in Reedly Jr. College where his athletic career began. Houston was not only a strong football player, but he was a strong track and field competitor as well. In track and field, his strengths were the discus and the shot put. In 1965, Houston went on to play sports at San Diego State University. There he played football under Coach Don Coryell. He also continued on with the shot put and the discus where he later set two collegiate records for both the shot put and the discus in 1966.

1966 was a good year for Houston. Not only did he set two records, but he was the 13th AFL draft pick for the San Diego Chargers. In 1967, Houston married and from that union he had one biological child Tasha Ridge, but was a strong father figure to Robin, Tony, and Kevin. 1969, Houston suffered a career ending injury, so Houston took interest in other business ventures.

He went on to become a financial advisor with IDS. He also went on to obtain his realtor and brokers licenses and along with six other Charger players, they formed the company 7 Star Realty where they purchased properties, fixed them, and sold them. Later he started his own painting contracting company. He took great pride in his company and was well known for his honesty and work ethic.

1984, Houston met Rhonda. They courted and formed a strong bond for many years and then married on Rhonda’s birthday, May 21st, 1998. Being the family man that he was, he became a father figure to Rhonda’s four children Deshon, James, Bobette, and Peaches.  Rhonda and Houston had a strong union. They were inseparable and loved to laugh together. They enjoyed being around their grandchildren and being around their family. Houston Began to fall ill around late 2012. Although his health was failing, he continued to be the humble and the gentle giant that everyone knew and loved. Always willing to help, mentor, and share whatever knowledge he had to give in order to see the next person thrive.

On the afternoon of October 17th, Houston was called home to paradise. He was surrounded by loved ones and with heavy hearts, we let him go. He was preceded in death by his father, Houston Ridge Sr.; mother, Murray B, Ridge; brother, Alan Ridge; and daughter Bobette Woods. He is survived by his wife (Rhonda Ridge), his daughters (Tosha, Robin, Peaches), sons (James, Deshon, Tony, Kevin), thirteen grandchildren (Brandi, Ranee, Chartynee, Imani, Jaaliyah, Ennis Jr., Brandin, Jordin, Tiffani, James Jr., Brittni, and Jamescia, Deshon Jr, Talia), eight sisters (Loretha, Ann, Mary, Palvin, Glendola, Denise, Margaret, and Michelle), four brothers (Ricky, Gene, Steven, and Michael), a great granddaughter (Kamryn) and many nieces and nephews. He will forever be loved and missed! The family will recieve friends on Monday, Nov. 2nd  from 5-8pm at Anderson-Ragsdale Mortuary, 5050 Federal Blvd, San Diego. The Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3rd, 11:00 AM at New Creation Church, 3115 Altadena Ave. San Diego, CA. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery.