Mike Riddle

William Michael (Mike) Riddle born September 26, 1949, joined the heavenly choir on
Wednesday, August 21, 2024. He is preceded in death by his father O'Dell Riddle. Survived by
his wife of 50 years, Cheri Riddle, sons and their families, Stephen and Kirstin Riddle, Jeremy
Riddle and his girlfriend Wen McNally. Also survived by his grandchildren, Wimberly and Dylan
Kennedy along with Gilly and Everett Riddle. Other survivors, Johnnie Riddle, his mother, two
sisters, Ellen Durham, Glo Holbrook, and Jeff Holbrook, sister-in-law, Kathy Graves, along with
many nieces and nephews.
Mike graduated from North Whitfield High School Class of 1966 and UT Chattanooga in 1969. He
served in the medical corp of the US Navy during the Vietnam era. While stationed in
Pensacola, he met the love of his life, Cheri and brought her back to Georgia. Over the years,
Mike and Cheri cherished their missionary work and were able to love people where they were
called to serve in places like Haiti.
Mike worked with Dr. Thomas and Dr. Marlow as a physician's assistant. He then changed
careers to continue the family business of Riddle Motor Company with his father until they
decided to dissolve the business. Mike then started a new career that became his favorite
passion, other than Cheri, teaching. He taught high school science at Christian Heritage school
in Dalton for 17 years. He touched many lives in the classroom with his exhortations of God's
creation. He was a teacher of great impact. To continue his love of teaching, he had his remains
donated to the Genesis Body Foundation of Memphis to be used as a teaching tool for medical
students and his organs donated.
After leaving CHS, Mike worked for the state of Georgia Labor Department, helping to give jobs
to our veterans. He also served with the Gideons for many years. He truly had a servant's heart
for everyone.
When Mike retired to be home with his precious wife, Cheri, he would most likely be seen in a
Hawaiian shirt. It became part of his retirement. He enjoyed making people smile with his next
Hawaiian shirt.
Mike loved music, singing and acting. His love of music led him to many church choirs, solos,
quartet, and theater. Mike was an extraordinary and beloved actor both on and off stage at
artistic Civic Theater. He is best known for his part in the original "Smoke on the Mountain" and
Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol". He performed this timeless musical classic 10 times over 20
years of the production.
To honor his memory, a celebration of life memorial service will be held at Salem Baptist Church
on Monday, August 26 at 6:00 PM. The family invites you to share in our celebration with your
attendance and with your own version of the Hawaiian shirt!
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Salem Baptist Church for their missionary program
at 1448 Pleasant Grove Dr., Dalton, GA 30721, or sent to sbcdalton.org.
Messages of comfort may be sent to the family at www.julianpeeples.com.
Arrangements are by Julian Peeples Funeral Home of Dalton. For more information, please call 706-259-7455.