James "Gary" Ridling

James Gary Ridling, age 67 of Buchanan, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. He was born on July 27, 1958, to the late James Albert Ridling and the late Martha Jo Edwards Sanders. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Tom Cox.

A devoted Christian man, Gary was a faithful member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Dallas, Georgia.  He truly loved attending church and worshipping his Lord and Savior.  In his earlier years, Gary coached girls' softball and won several 1st place trophies.  A country boy at heart, he loved his 1994 Ford pickup truck. Gary's smile and sweet spirit will be missed by all who knew and love him.

Survivors include his sister and brother-in-law, Sarah and Ray Huddleston of Lineville, Alabama, and his brother and sister-in-law, Al and Debby Cox of Hampton, Georgia; several nieces nephews; and other relatives and friends. 

Graveside services will be held on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 1:00 PM from Mt. Harmony Cemetery in Mableton with Reverend Ray Huddleston, Reverend Dennis Reece and Reverend Harold Weatherford officiating. 

Hutcheson's Memorial Chapel & Crematory of Buchanan is honored to serve the Ridling family.