Barry C. Ridenhour

Obituary For Barry C. Ridenhour

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Barry C. Ridenhour, 54, of Concord, North Carolina on November 12, 2025, after waging a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by loved ones. Affectionately known as “Bear” by some and “Clete” or “George” by others, Barry was born on February 4, 1971 in Stanly County, North Carolina to Brenda (Kilby) and Ralph Ridenhour, Sr.

Barry was united in marriage to the love of his life, Shawn Suzanne Abbott, on October 10, 2008. After attending Mount Pleasant High School, he worked for the City of Concord, then kick started his Lineman career at Concord Telephone Company (CTC) where he worked for almost 15 years. For the last nine years he was employed as a supervisor for Broadlinx Telecomm. He was the proud owner of Ridenhour Tree Service, where his expertise in trimming and felling trees was widely admired within the community. He enjoyed hunting with his close friend, Andy Lowder, and participating in fishing tournaments with his sons and nephews. He liked searching for treasures at flea markets and yard sales with his wife. Barry was well respected and known throughout the area for his strength, loyalty, honesty, fairness and humor, leaving behind a legacy of love that will never fade. Our hearts are broken, but we are grateful for every moment we had with him. He will be forever missed.

Barry is survived by his wife, Shawn, their daughter Lennon and son River, as well as his adult children, daughter, Stephanie Ridenhour, of Concord; son, Cletus Ridenhour, of Concord; son, Dillon “Jake” Ridenhour, of Elizabeth City, NC; bonus daughter, Jinny (Philip) Helton Vermillion, and though not by birth, his granddaughter in every way that mattered, Austin Rose Vermillion.

He is also survived by his mother, Brenda (Mike) Bean of Concord, his brothers Ralph (Megan) Ridenhour, Jr. of Concord and Steven (Tammy) Ridenhour of Thomasville, NC; half-brother, Steve Ridenhour (Sheri) of Richfield, NC. His parents-in-law, Ronni & John Plummer of Concord and Tom & Karen Abbott of Port Allegany, PA; sisters-in-law, Jennifer (Scott) McDowell of Pittsburgh, PA; and Katie Plummer of Concord; brothers-in-law Jonathan (Jessi Walker) Plummer of Louisville, KY and Ryan Abbott of Port Allegany, PA. He will also be fondly remembered by several cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends and co-workers who brought joy to his life.

Barry was preceded in death by his father; his infant sister, Melody; his brother, Barry H. Ridenhour (surviving wife, Kay); his lifelong friends Harry Lee Hyde, Jr. and Jimmy Helton (surviving wife, Karen); his sister, not by blood but by love, Jera Miller; and his honorary nephew, Bret “Bretter” Gascoigne, Jr. (son of his surviving best friend, Bret “Bert” Gascoigne, Sr.)

Honoring his wishes, no formal services will be held. A Celebration of Life will be held later at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers or other memorials, please consider contributing to his GoFundMe account to help defray the exorbitant cost of his medical bills and other expenses. Arrangements are under the direction of Kings Funeral Home.