David McLaughlin Riddle

David McLaughlin Riddle
April 17, 1952 - December 22, 2024
72 years of love, hard work, and adventure
David McLaughlin Riddle passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on December 22, 2024. Born on April 17, 1952, at Fort Hood, Texas, he was the third of four children born to Ruth and Donald Riddle. Their family moved to Paris, Texas when David was 6 weeks old. Called "Davey" for years, he was described as a sweet and spirited child with a flair for mischief, who adored his mother, and read every Texas history book in the public library.
High school sweethearts, David and Gayle married in 1970 and went on to celebrate over 54 years of marriage. David was a fiercely loving, proud and protective father to his three daughters, whom he often described as "the best thing he ever did in his life." His role as grandfather brought him great joy, and he cherished every opportunity to be in the company of his six grandchildren. Ever the host and lover of holidays, he especially loved gathering for Christmas with his family, making too much food, playing rock and roll a little too loudly, and spoiling everyone with gifts.
David began his career in construction as a young adult in Houston. Under the guidance of Gilbert Knox and C.B. Gilbert, he worked his way up from apprentice, journeyman, and foreman to assistant superintendent, and master electrician. In 1987, he created Dave Riddle Electric Company, with his wife, Gayle. Over the course of nearly four decades, they worked tirelessly to build their business. Their dedication to quality, dependability and integrity assured that today, Dave Riddle Electric is widely regarded as a trusted partner in the DFW area and beyond.
David was an esteemed member of the Carrollton Masonic Lodge, No. 1400. He became a third degree Master Mason in 1991. He is now still the only Carrollton member to have served as Worshipful Master twice. In 2003, he received the Golden Trowel Award. He further pursued his Masonic journey through the bodies of Scottish Rite and York Rite. In 1996, he joined the Scottish Rite, and achieved his 32nd Degree. He joined the York Rite and cherished his time in the Dallas Commandery No. 6. He was a member of the Love Field Chapter No. 478, Royal Arch Masons since 1996 and Love Field Council No. 396, Royal and Select Masters since 1996, serving as Thrice Illustrious Master in 2000-2001.
David lived life with a rhythm as bold and as vibrant as the music he loved. His days were constantly accompanied by his personal soundtrack, and he never ceased to surprise with his eclectic and inspired taste in artists and genres.
David's colorful personality was at home on the sidelines of a Cowboys game, standing among the Sarsens of Stonehenge, hunting in the splendor of the Yukon and Alaska, singing along at a live music event, fishing with his family, rolling dice in Vegas, or among shoppers at an antique fair. He was often the life of the party, but he enjoyed a quiet morning in a deer blind just as well.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Donald Riddle, and younger brother, Sidney Craig Riddle. He is survived by his wife, Gayle, his daughters, Rita Clark Johnston (Bryson), Dixie Irwin (George), and Lou Ellen Stansell (Brian); six grandchildren: William Clark, Abigail Clark, Forrest Stansell, Eloise Stansell, Oliver Irwin, and Louis Irwin; and adoring sisters, Mitzi Barker and Barbara Fendley.
Funeral services will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, Lewisville at 1:00 PM on Friday, January 3. Graveside service immediately follows at Furneaux Cemetery in Carrollton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made online via Donate Now - Scottish Rite for Children https://secure3.convio.net/tsrh/site/Donation2?1400.donation=form1&df_id=1400 or a check may be mailed to Scottish Rite for Children at 2222 Welborn Street Dallas, Texas 75219 – Attention: Development. Please include "In Memory of David Riddle" on all donations sent.
Pallbearers: William Clark, Forrest Stansell, Brian Stansell, Bryson Johnston, George Irwin, Clifton Fendley, Jason Piecek, and Rigoberto Martinez
Honorary pallbearers: Tommy Barker and Curtis Fendley