Darrell Vernar Ridge

Early Life

Darrell Vernar Ridge was born to Herman and Etta Ridge on December 7, 1968, in Garland, Texas. He attended Garland High School and graduated in 1988 as a standout “Star Football” athlete. Recognizing his exceptional talent, Athletic Director Homer Johnson selected Darrell to play in the Oil Bowl Football Game in Wichita Falls, Texas, as a member of the High School All-Stars. After graduation, Darrell attended Kilgore Junior College from 1988 to 1990 and later Abilene Christian University in 1990.

Love and Family

In 1987, during his junior year of high school, Darrell met the love of his life, Debbie. Together, they built a life filled with love and laughter. In 1989, they welcomed their first daughter, Desmeshion “Dez.” On June 12, 1993, Darrell and Debbie were united in marriage. Their family grew once more in 1994 with the birth of their youngest daughter, Daijha. Darrell adored his family. He was especially proud of his grandchildren, cheering on his grandsons from their Pee Wee football days to their high school years. He loved sharing his football photos, newspaper write-ups, and even a few of his signature moves with them. His family fondly remembers his laughter, his playful jokes, and his warm, steady presence.

Career

Darrell began his working life as a Produce Clerk at Tom Thumb. In 1993, he joined DSC (Alcatel) and later pursued his CDL license, which led him into a successful truck-driving career with Budweiser. Over the years, he worked various jobs, but in 2014, he began his employment with NFI Industries in DeSoto, Texas. Darrell was admired by his coworkers for his strong work ethic, dedication, willingness to go above and beyond, and his easy-going spirit. Even after becoming ill, he continued working until his health declined in April 2025.

Legacy and Personality

Darrell was known by many names—D. Ridge, Ridge, Triple D—and was proudly one of the “Ridge Boys.” To those who knew him best, he will always be remembered as loving, caring, laid-back, giving, and deeply empathetic. He enjoyed watching sports, listening to music, spending time with family, hanging out, and making weekend trips to Garland in his clean red truck to visit his parents and hang out with his brothers and Garland friends.

Cherished Memories

Those left to cherish loving and lasting memories include his soulmate of 37 years and wife of 32 years, Debbie Ridge; his two beloved daughters, Desmeshion (Dez) Ridge and Daijha Ridge; and his four cherished grandchildren: Drayden James (Paw-Paw’s Big Boy), Daydren James (Paw-Paw’s Boy), Trinity James (Papi’s Honey Bee), and Delaney Smith (Papi’s Poody Butt). He also leaves his loving parents, Herman and Etta Ridge, whom he cherished dearly; his three brothers, known as “The Ridge Boys”: Tyrone Ridge, Fred Ridge (Shaye), and Carey Ridge; his mother-in-love, Helen Carter; his brother-in-love, Cash Wright; his two sisters-in-love, Laveda Jones and Cleasta Sanders; a special sister, Audrey Lewis (Robert); his uncles: Therman Ridge, Larry English, and Dorsey Lee; his aunts: Mary Williams, Emma English, Nadine Ward, Jane English, Judy English, and Carol English; several special childhood friends: Everett Jackson, Derick Pinkston, and Calvin Smith; a close neighbor, Ivan Alvaro; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever honor his life and memory.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Darrell Vernar Ridge, please visit our floral store.