CHARLES B. RIDDLE
March 5, 1932-Feb. 22, 2013
In the early morning of Friday, Feb. 22, 2013, Charles Benjamin "Chuck" Riddle of Goldsboro, beloved father and grandfather, left the arms of the family he so treasured, and entered into those of Jesus; the honorable soldier's long battle over, his victory won. He was 80.
A service to celebrate his life will be held Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. at Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home chapel, with sons-in-law the Revs. David Kriger and Aubrey Williamson officiating. The family will greet friends immediately following. A sunset graveside service with Masonic rites, military honors and committal by daughter, the Rev. Carla Williamson will be held Wednesday at 5:15 at Wayne Memorial Park. Flowers are welcome, and memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project for veterans.
His life's journey began in Sanford as the precious little blue-eyed son of Dodd May and Lelia Bell Cox Riddle, and as a big brother to May Bell. He lived many places, helping his mother in her restaurant endeavors, attending several N.C. schools and having countless boyhood adventures along the way until his military calling at 18. He faithfully served his country in both the Army and the Air Force; earning numerous honors including the Korean Service Medal, one Bronze Service Star, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, and the Good Conduct Medal. He completed over 3600 tech class hours; and conducted untold hours of classroom instruction in electronics. In addition to his active duty in the Korean War, he also served in the field of electronics in the Vietnam War, the Dept. of Defense, RCA, and Texas Instruments, before owning and operating Taylor's Grocery/Gas Station/ Fish Market on 117 S., with his beautiful partner, the love of his life, wife Barbara Taylor Riddle, whom he met while stationed at SJAFB. Together, they raised their three daughters, sharing life's highs and lows together in North Carolina, Texas, Maryland, Tennessee and France. He also ran for U.S. Senate in 1974, and was a member of the Carthage Masonic Lodge, the VFW, and the American Legion. He retired from AP Parts in 1995.
Among many outstanding and endearing traits, his family will never forget his tender heart, his immeasurable loyalty to, and pride in, his family, his smirk and sense of humor, and his humble appreciation, and even though he was the Mark Twain of the family, with his captivating life stories, he always preferred to hear the stories of others. The joys of his life were his grandsons, whom he bragged on relentlessly, and even in illness (including Parkinson's) the names of his three girls and his sweetheart Barbara never left his memory or his lips. And his will never leave ours.
His family wishes to express loving gratitude to those who showed our hero kindness and compassion during his recent bereavement and subsequent medical crises. May God bless you as you have blessed.
Mr. Riddle was preceded in death (Oct. 2, 2011) by his wonderful wife of 52 years, Barbara Taylor Riddle, with whom he is now reunited, but leaves to cherish his memory and continue his legacy of courage and love his daughters, Louise Riddle Kriger (and husband, David) of Fremont, Carla Riddle Williamson (and husband, Aubrey) of Kenly, and Teresa Riddle Holloman of Goldsboro; grandchildren, Joshua Kriger of Raleigh, Adam and Renee Kriger of Lucama, Noah and Leslie Kriger of Cape Carteret, and Charles, Bryan and Phillip Williamson of Kenly; and a great-grandson, Ethan Kriger.
Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home and Crematory of Goldsboro is serving the Riddle family and online condolences may be sent through www.shumate-faulk.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on February 24, 2013 10:52 AM