Richard Lee Ridle

Mr. Richard Lee Ridle, November 15, 1946 to August 15, 2017. God's servant went to be with his Heavenly Father this week. As he battled cancer for the past five months, he surrounded himself with family and friends who continuously showed him the love and support that he modeled for them through his lifetime. His bond with his identical twin brother surpassed all other relationships except with his God. He was a strong Christian who lived a life of giving to others and his church as well as being a loyal friend. He taught his daughters and his cousins about being good Christians and stewards of the Earth. Richard had a strong connection with the outdoors where he loved to hunt and fish. He also enjoyed feeding and watching the birds in his yard. He believed in preserving nature and marveled at God's gift. Richard loved this country. As a former Marine who served in the Vietnam War, he believed in preserving democracy, especially the right to bear arms. He recently served as Chairman of the 2017 Friends of the NRA banquet. He was also a member of the Eufaula chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans where he served on various committees. Richard was reared by a devoted mother and extended family in Pensacola, Florida. After high school and the service, he was employed by AT&T for over 40 years as a lineman and in management. He married and had two daughters in Pensacola before moving to Eufaula, Alabama. He attended Christian Life Church and later joined St. James Episcopal Church where he served on the Vestry. Richard loved his church family. He served as the head cook during their annual Spaghetti Supper for many years. After retirement, he volunteered at Eufaula Elementary School where he helped children with reading and math as well as working in the library shelving books. He was honored by the children as a Liberty Legacy Hero because of his service to his country, community and their school. He was deeply moved by this accolade. Richard is survived by his wife of 20 years, Mary Jo (Wallace) Ridle of Eufaula, Alabama; two daughters: Rebecca (Kevin) Dobbs of Dallas, Georgia and Rachel Ridle of Atlanta, Georgia; one grandson: Caleb Dobbs; two step children: Lesley Hart of Birmingham, Alabama and Ryan (Ashley) Harlamert of Eufaula, Alabama; one brother: Robert (Ronnie) Ridle of Pensacola, Florida; three cousins whom he helped rear: Monty (Cheryl) Hudson, Michael (Beth) Hudson of Pensacola, Florida and Marc (Jennifer) Hudson of Bakerhill, Alabama. Visitation with family will be on Saturday, August 19, 2017, in Margaret Hall at St. James Episcopal Church from 9:30 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. Funeral services will be in the church at 11 A.M. followed by the burial of his ashes in the Wilkinson Memorial Garden immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society or a favorite charity. Chapman Funeral Home of Eufaula directing.