Thomas Jackson "TJ" Criddle

Caledonia- Thomas Jackson “TJ” Criddle, 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Sunday, October 20, 2024 in Amory, MS. Born in Caledonia, MS on May 15, 1951, to the late James Thomas Criddle and Lucy Corbell Criddle, he was a devoted father, grandfather, and friend known for his love and generosity.

He grew up in a large, loving family with six sisters and two brothers. He graduated from Caledonia High School in 1969. He was enrolled to attend Mississippi State University but was drafted to serve in Vietnam. After Vietnam, he briefly attended MSU and then later in life, he attended Itawamba Community College. He was an avid member of the VFW and American Legion. He donated to Boys Town and St. Jude. 

At the young age of eighteen and at the height of the Vietnam war, he enlisted into the U.S. Army and served with the 101st Airborne where he received a Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal with Numeral 6, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Two Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal Ribbon with Device, Aircraft Crewman Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Expert Badge with Rifle and Auto Rifle. He was a true patriot and hero.

After returning to civilian life, TJ was considered a jack of all trades. He excelled in any and every type of job he was given. He was a handyman who was always busy fixing and tinkering on things. TJ loved listening to music and playing the harmonica and guitar. He loved playing sports and enjoyed coaching little league baseball. TJ loved reading and watching educational, historical and informative publications. He had a “love-hate” relationship with politics. He enjoyed working on and riding motorcycles. TJ was a jokester that loved to make people laugh and smile.

He would tell you his greatest joy came from raising and spending time with his family and friends. TJ was a devoted and generous friend that embodied God’s commandment to love one another. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help those in need. TJ’s most distinguished accomplishment is instilling these same values into his family.

He will be missed by his family and friends, but they take great comfort in knowing he is completely healed and in the presence of Jesus.

TJ is survived by his loving children; daughter, Liza Criddle; daughter, Chana Murphy (Lane); son, Jay Criddle (Tammy); step-daughter, Shonda Trahan (Phil); step-daughter, Stephanie Bush (Randy); seventeen grandchildren: Miah Amos, Alex Wolfe, Ainslee Merriman, Zach Merriman, Emerson Murphy, Aulani Murphy, Jackson Murphy, Jake Criddle, Natalie Criddle, Jayden Criddle, Ashley Clayton, Alisha Buckner (Paul), Chelsea Allen, Gwen Duffy (Shane), Kevin Birmingham, Justin Birmingham, Kaylee Bush; fifteen great grandchildren; four sisters: Myrtle Lou Burke, Mable Criddle (Faye), Margaret Harper (Johnny), and Myra Haby (Steve); and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

TJ is preceded in death by his wife, Melinda Asher Criddle; parents, James Thomas Criddle and Lucy Corbell Criddle; two sisters, Mildred “Millie” Criddle and Martha Faye Criddle Mitchell; and two brothers, James Earl Criddle (Peggy Sue) and Jesse Merl Criddle.

A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Chapel of E.E. Pickle Funeral Home. Bro Grant Mitchell will be officiating. Visitation will be at 10:00 AM until the service hour. Graveside services will be at the Sullivan Cemetery in the Bartahatchie Community. 

Memories and condolences may be shared at EEPickleFuneralHome.com