Memory of an uncle I never had
Arlin Lee Ridgeway would have been my uncle, if he had survived WWII.
He was the oldest of his siblings, and, maybe, the favorite of his middle sister (my mother), although all of her brothers are (or, were) dear to her and to me.
Arlin was raised on a farm, in rural north Alabama.I understand that he encouraged higher education for his siblings.He was smart enough to become an "Electrician's mate, First Class" in the Navy.He went down on a submarine in the South China Sea, in 1944.He gave his life for my liberty, and I love him, although he died before I was born.
Ronald Parker