Robert Ridley

Robert Mark Ridley of Woolmarket, MS returned to our Heavenly Father Sunday, January 8, 2017, having succumbed to his battle with cancer. Aged 65 years, Mark was preceded in death by parents Robert Jack Ridley and Catherine Toups Ridley and by brother David Lee Ridley. Married once to Mary Bolton Lizana in 1986 (divorced 1994) with no children, Mark is survived by brother Stephen Drexel Ridley Sr. (Julie) of Metairie, LA; sister Lisa Ridley Weldon (Clark) of Collierville, TN; brother Douglas Michael Ridley of New Orleans, LA; brother Matthew Wayne Ridley (Jodi) of New Orleans, LA; and brother Scott Andrew Ridley (Jamie) of Baton Rouge, LA.
Born in Corpus Christi, TX December 19, 1951, Mark resided in Port Sulphur, LA in 1955 and settled in New Orleans in 1959. Mark was first chair trombone in the C.J. Colton Junior High Concert and Marching band from 1962-1964 and first chair trombonist at John F. Kennedy High School in New Orleans. He was a member of the Louisiana All-State Band all four years of high school and a member of the first full graduating class of John F. Kennedy High School in 1969. Mark attended LSUNO, majoring in Music.
Having spent several years in the food and hospitality industry, Mark ultimately dedicated himself to his passion for music and moved to the Gulf Coast of Mississippi as a full-time musician. An accomplished trombonist and singer, Mark performed with various bands over the years including "Kingsroe", "Songbook", "Back to Back", "Apogee", "The Checkmates", "Sugar Mill Band", "Marada", and "Grand Band." He also played with the Chris Riddle orchestra (son of Nelson Riddle) as a featured soloist.
Arrangements: Inurnment of cremated remains will take place at 12:00 noon on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at Lake Lawn Park Cemetery, 5454 Pontchartrain Boulevard, New Orleans, LA. Following a brief graveside ceremony, family and friends are invited to join a celebration of Mark's life at the home of his brother, Matt Ridley, 515 Robert E Lee Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New Orleans Musician's Clinic & Assistance Foundation or your favorite musician on the MS Gulf Coast in Mark's name.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport served the family and online condolences may be expressed at www.riemannfamily.com