Michael Thomas Riddle

Michael Thomas Riddle, devoted husband, loving father, and compassionate friend, was called home to be with his Lord on December 26, 2024. He was born in Newport News, VA on November 9, 1948, to Hershel E. and Nora Marie Riddle. He grew up on the Peninsula with his brother and enjoyed many summer vacations with his cousins in Tennessee. 

Known as 'Mike' to everyone he met, he graduated from the College of William & Mary with a BA in History. He met his future wife Susan where they worked together as Juvenile Probation Counselors for the Commonwealth of Virginia in Hampton. They were married on December 27, 1980, and made Arlington, TX their forever home. Mike enrolled in the graduate business program at Texas Christian University, earning an MBA in 1982. He retired after a full career in banking and financial advising but, ever the worker, came out of retirement to process disaster loans for the Small Business Association after hurricanes Sandy, Harvey, and Irma. 

Mike volunteered while working and in retirement and was a Boy Scout leader, a member and former President of Park Cities Rotary in Dallas, Tarrant County Emmaus Community, and Central Texas Conference Walk to Emmaus. 

Mike had a lifelong passion for cooking, an appreciation he gained from his mother and one that he passed on to his children. He lovingly prepared dinners nearly every Sunday for family gatherings at his and Susan’s home. 

Mike was an avid reader, often juggling four books at any time. He enjoyed studying world history, religious and historical figures, and scholarly writings. He was well versed in classical poetry and wrote much of his own. 

Mike especially enjoyed studying, contemplating, and discussing his deep faith. He led bible studies, finance committees, stewardship campaigns, mission trips, and just about every other aspect of church life. At the time of his death, he was a charter member of Resurrection Global Methodist Church in Arlington and a member of its Church Council. 

Mike is remembered with love and gratitude by his family: his wife of forty-four years, Susan Lee Bragg Riddle, his children, Blair Thomas Riddle, Meredith Virginia Lee Riddle, and Sarah Elisabeth Riddle, his daughter-in-law Angela Moriah Riddle, and his grandchildren Colin Thomas Riddle and Liam Ryan Riddle. 

Visitation will be on Friday January 3, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wade Funeral Home, 4140 West Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, TX 76013. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday January 4, 2025 at First Methodist Mansfield, 777 North Walnut Creek Drive, Mansfield, TX 76063 with a reception to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Resurrection GMC of Arlington-Building Fund or the American Heart Association.