James Ellis Riddle

Ellis Riddle, 86, of Utica, passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at his home. He was born May 24, 1938 in Pound, Virginia to the late Lloyd and Margie Riddle. Ellis was a member of Owensboro Christian Church and a U. S. Naval Reserve veteran. He oversaw numerous malls and shopping centers and worked for David Hocker & Associates while managing Town Square Mall, Town Square North, and Wesleyan Park Plaza. Ellis was a Kentucky Wesleyan College graduate having received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. He also attended and graduated from the former Kentucky School of Embalming and eventually received his Kentucky Embalmers and Funeral Directors licenses. Ellis enjoyed raising Angus beef cattle on his farm. He was very well-liked by many people and enjoyed helping others. 

 Ellis was preceded in death by his son, James Ellis “Chip” Riddle, Jr. on February 10, 2005, and his brothers and sisters, Evelyn Cantrell, Wilma Lambert, Edwin Riddle, Eugene Riddle, Darrell Riddle, and Harold Riddle.

 Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Carole Goode Riddle; a daughter, Susan Riddle of Utica; three grandchildren, Olivia Tong of Utica, and Logan and Kendall McKnight, both of Owensboro; five great grandchildren; special friends Vickie Pentecost, Theresa Hawkins, and Don Kirchoff and wife Liz, all of Utica; and his furbaby, Bella.

 Funeral services for Ellis will be Noon Monday, December 23 at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory. Burial will follow in Owensboro Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of the service Monday at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.

 Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s’s Research Hospital for Children, the American Cancer Society, or Amedisys Home Health. Messages and condolences to the family can be shared at www.glenncares.com.