Samuel Ridley, Jr was the oldest child born to the union of Mamie J. and Samuel Ridley Sr. in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In addition to his given name, he was also widely known as "Daddy Boy", "Wonder Boy" and "Uncle June" all of which were terms of endearment used by family and friends.  Having lived in Baton Rouge since birth, he attended the public schools of East Baton Rouge Parish and graduated from Scotlandville Sr. High School in 1965, home of the Hornets.

He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Ebenezer Baptist Church under the Pastorage of the late Reverend, Elijah J. Brown.  He internalized the value of faith in God and became a Junior Deacon at Ebenezer.  During his youth, he was chosen to be the caretaker of the church which meant that he was responsible for cleaning the church and making sure that it was ready for any and all services held. On occasion, he would persuade some of his younger siblings to assist him.  He was trusted as the keeper of the keys to the church.  While growing up, Samuel learned the value and the reward of hard work through the example demonstrated by his parents. Later in life, he transferred his membership through Christian Experience from Ebenezer Baptist Church  to Capital Missionary Baptist Church and was eventually ordained as a Deacon.

While in high school, he was active in a number of activities including, the band as a trumpet player, the track and field team where his individual sport was throwing the shot put. In addition to school activities, he was a member of the Amateur  Boxing Program at the Anna T. Jordan Recreation Center.  He was classified in the Heavyweight Division and was a strong contender winning a number of Boxing Matches throughout the city of Baton Rouge.

After high school, he enrolled at Southern University A&M and majored in Architecture.  During his studies, he had an opportunity to serve as an intern for VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) Program.  One of the most notable projects undertaken during his internship involved improving the quality and aesthetics of homes and businesses in the Scotlandville Community.  Somewhere along the way, Samuel developed an eclectic  appreciation for music and began to collect records.  He loved Jazz and amassed quite a record collection of well known artists.

Samuel's body of work landed him in a variety of jobs at establishments in the city. During the summers, he even went to New Orleans to work for the Orleans Parish Sanitation Department and a Foundry  in Indiana to earn money to help pay for College.  He would often say that his work was his workout.    His last job was a Corrections Officer with the State of Louisiana Department of Corrections in the Youth Division assigned to the Jetson Correctional Center (formerly, Louisiana Technical Institute LTI).

He was married to the late Mary Ann Chesterfield. This union created a blended family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, his maternal and paternal grandparents, a brother, John Ridley, a sister, Anna M. Etuk, sons, Charles and Eugene Chesterfield and his Godmother Verlina Washington.

He is survived by daughters, Ayescha M. Humbles of Keller, Texas, Stephanie Chesterfield, Lynda Banks (Kenneth), of Baton Rouge, Ruth Ann Dorgan, Pineville, Louisiana, Sons, Eroll Chesterfield (Lolita) and George Chesterfield (Linda). Six Brothers; Paul Ridley, Wishedell Ridley (Barba), Albert Ridley, Daniel Ridley, and Silas Ridley (Catherine) all of Baton Rouge: and Abraham (Terrye) of Houston, Texas; Two Sisters, Delilah R. Session ( L.C.) of Lewisville, Texas and Ruth R. Kirk (Alvin, Sr.) of Mesquite, Texas. Also, a vast number of grandchildren (19), great grandchildren (24) cousins, nieces, nephews, classmates, friends and associates.