Ridley appointed as temporary Postmaster

By Staff
Rebecca James, Franklin County Times
Vina's Post Office has appointed Richard Ridley to the position of temporary Postmaster after the retirement of former Postmaster Ron Phillips.
Phillips retired from the position on February 2 after 22 years, and upon his retirement Ridley was appointed to the post on a temporary basis.
Ridley comes to the position with 32 years of experience as a post office employee. He began his career in Tuscaloosa in 1973 as a post office clerk.
"A friend of mine convinced me to take the civil service exam," Ridley said. "I passed the test, and became a clerk at the Tuscaloosa Post Office."
Ridley continued his career with a transfer to the Northport Post Office as a fill-in supervisor in 1977. From there, he accepted a position as the Postmaster in McShan, Alabama in 1989.
He then took a position as the Postmaster in Buhl, Alabama in 1991, where he stayed until he returned to the area as Postmaster at Bear Creek in 1997.
The transition to Vina has been a smooth one for Ridley. "The transition has been easy," he said. "The former Postmaster did a good job, and was very efficient at it."
The transition has also been easy according to Ridley because of good employees.
Ridley seems to be enjoying his new position. "I love the people," he said, "and I'm doing whatever I can to help them."
In his spare time, Ridley has many hobbies to keep him busy.
"I enjoy showing horses," Ridley said. "I also enjoy riding motorcycles and going to Gatlinburg."
Ridley also enjoys spending time with his wife, Nina, who he has been married to for the past 32 years, and his daughter, son, and 4-month-old grandson, Riley.
Ridley hopes to apply for the position when it comes open in the near future. Until then, he will remain the Postmaster, until a new one can be found.