Rev. Douglas M. Ridley

Rev. Douglas Milton Ridley, 80, of Cambridge, Maryland was welcomed home by the Lord on Thursday, October 19th, 2023 at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Doug was born in Dover, Delaware on February 13, 1943 to the late Joel and Hazel (Hannum) Ridley. He graduated from Dover High School in 1961, attended University of Delaware and graduated from Delaware State University.  He received a Masters in Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in 1972. Doug served United Methodist churches throughout the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Delaware and served on and chaired many committees as an active member of the Peninsula-Delaware United Methodist Conference. In 2008, he officially retired but continued as a retired supply pastor, most recently for the Hoopers Island Charge on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Legendary as a mentor and as an embodiment of God’s love, Doug touched the lives of many, many people.  Even in the hospital, following his heart attack, he brought smiles to the doctors, nurses and staff. His family were not the only people in the hospital who were overwhelmed at his sudden death.  

Known in many communities for his kindness, patience and acceptance, it was also acknowledged that he was ruthless on the tennis court.  Even in his late 70s he would regularly wipe the court with the 30- and 40-year olds who would play him.  He enjoyed watching tennis as much as playing and avidly followed matches and players.  Family events were often scheduled around the French Open,Wimbledon and U.S. Open. 

Later in life he enjoyed traveling with his wife Kathleen, particularly enjoying the beauties of Hawaii.  Whether going to visit family, watch tennis or just to see a new place, Doug and Kathy would regularly pack up their suitcases and head off on a new adventure.  For Doug, the people at the destination were what made the voyage; he loved to meet new people and could quickly turn a stranger standing near him into a friend.

Doug was active in the Cambridge community; he was a board member of Channel Markers and the Dorchester School Based Health Centers Advisory Board. He was an active participant at the Dorchester Family YMCA and the Dorchester Center for the Arts. In 2009, he and the late Dr. Jack Scanlon founded the Choptank Writers Group where he continued until his death to share the sonnets he loved to write at their weekly meetings.  He was a member of the Dorchester Ministerial Association and served as its President for several years.  With the Rev. Nathaniel Pierce, he began the annual Good Friday Walk of the Cross, an observance which he continued to oversee until this past year.

Following a family tradition, he participated in local Volunteer Fire Companies in the communities where he lived. Doug served as the Chaplain for several years of Rescue Fire Company, Cambridge, MD, and upon his retirement was granted lifetime membership.

Traveling with family or to be with family also brought him joy; he could often be found on the sidelines or in the stands at various lacrosse and ice hockey games.  He put as much energy into cheering on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as he did the professional matches he attended.  He was always sure to ask how their teams were doing and encouraged them in their pursuits.

Doug is survived by his wife, Kathleen Hughes Wise, son Andrew Blake Ridley (Renee Rando), daughter Elizabeth Rollet (Jean-Marc), bonus daughter Melissa Wise (Cody Thomas), bonus step-sons, Samuel Wise IV (Nicola), Blake Wise (Deborah) and Frank Wise (Melinda), grandchildren, Cacilia, Luc, and Clary Rollet, and Micah and Samuel Slacum, brother Fred Ridley (Doris) and sister Martha Collins, as well as by many bonus step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces.  He is predeceased by his first wife, Anne Faulkner Ridley, brothers Joel, Earl and James Ridley and sisters Sue Urian and Ruth Ridley. 

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 11th at 1pm at Zion United Methodist Church, Cambridge with the Rev. Tonya McClain and the Rev. Susan Leight officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday, November 10th from 2pm to 4pm and from 6pm to 8pm at Zion United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Camp Pecometh ATTN: Jessica Lutz 136 Bookers Wharf Road, Centreville, MD 21617 or Hosier Memorial United Methodist Church PO Box 296, Fishing Creek, Maryland. Arrangements are in the care of Thomas Funeral Home, P. A. in Cambridge.