Jones Lawson Ridgeway's Obituary
Jones Lawson RidgewayMarch 5, 1925 – July 14, 2018 Jones Lawson Ridgeway – Christ’s faithful servant and prominent Dallas businessman, Lawson passed into his loving Savior’s arms on July 14, 2018 in Kerrville, TX at the age of 93.Lawson was born in Dallas, TX to Rex and Esther Ridgeway on March 5, 1925. He attended Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas and went on to serve in the United States Army Air Forces, Second Lieutenant. Lawson studied marketing at Southern Methodist University, was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, and graduated with honors in 1948. He married Frances Davis Ridgeway in June 1946 and they went onto enjoy 60 years of marriage, raising three daughters, running two successful businesses, traveling the world, and building many beautiful homes together where they hosted cherished friends and family.Always a visionary, in 1957 Mr. Ridgeway harnessed his strong aptitude and interest for architecture and housing and founded his first real-estate firm, Centennial Homes, Inc., one of the nation’s leading home building and land development firms. He served as the Chief Executive Officer for Centennial through the 1970’s. In 1980 Mr. Ridgeway established Great Southwest Homes, Inc. to meet the changing demands and demographics in the Dallas housing market. The GSW Homes projects Lawson oversaw included single family homes, condominiums, apartments, office and shopping centers, and lot development. Lawson’s innovative home design and projects awarded him many national honors, and recognitions throughout his career. He was featured in and awarded by Life Magazine, Parent’s Magazine, The Professional Builder Magazine, and McCall’s Magazine. He served as a board member on the National Association of Home Builders, the Home and Apartment Builders of Metropolitan Dallas, National Association of Real Estate Board, and the Community Developers Council. Mr. Ridgeway also volunteered his time by serving on the Board of Governors of Junior Achievement in cooperation with the Dallas Area Department of Housing and Urban Development. In 1973 he served on a special Presidential task force for the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington, D.C. He was a member of the Dallas Mayor’s Friendship Committee and also served as a Commissioner for the Dallas Housing Authority for several years.Some of the most meaningful efforts Lawson made time for in his life was in the fellowship of Christ’s work. Lawson made many lasting friendships and significant associations through his spiritual community where he hosted Bible studies in his home, was a founding member of Grace Bible Church, served as a Deacon at First Baptist Church of Dallas, a Trustee and developer for the building of the Trinity Christian Academy in Addison, a Trustee for The Dallas Theological Seminary, supporter of Campus Crusade for Christ, the Wycliff Bible Translators, Dallas Bible College, the Billy Graham Crusade in Dallas, and Young Life. He served as a member of the Development Council of Baylor University, and was a member on the Board of Advisors for Southern Methodist University Dallas Christian Leadership Council, and Gideon International.Lawson, also affectionally known as “Poppie” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, blessed their lives with many heartfelt memories of sleepovers, family meals, ice cream cones, popcorn, and game time (along with his occasional Donald Duck impersonation!). He shared his abiding love and wisdom of the Lord with everyone he knew, eagerly awaiting his place in Heaven in his final years.Lawson is preceded in death by his parents, twin brother Rex Jr., his beloved wife Fran, daughter Allison Ridgeway Doan, and son-in-law Wayne Rodgers. He is survived by his daughters, Jan Rodgers and Paula Ridgeway, granddaughters Tera Diamond, Tamara McCracken, Megan Raymond, grandson Grant Raymond, and his three great-grandchildren, Trinity Rodgers, Ainsleigh Diamond, and Bradley McCracken.A private family burial service will be held at the Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery on Friday, August 24, 2018, eulogy delivered by Charles R. Swindoll.
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