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David Riddle Obituary
1945-2008David Michael Riddle, beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend sadly but peacefully passed on to a better place Saturday, October 11, 2008.
Born in Pensacola, David graduated from Pensacola High School and Pensacola Jr. College, and went on to graduate with a Masters degree from Florida State University. After residing in Tallahassee for several years David returned to Pensacola in 1984.
David loved Pensacola and gave generously of his time back to the community with his contribution of service to the Chamber of Commerce, the American Heart Association, ARC, Better Business Bureau, the Pensacola Sports Association, the Florida Springfest and many other non-profit organizations. He served several years with the Fiesta of Five Flags as a founding member of the Fiesta Forces and with Board of Governors, chairing several committees and events for Fiesta, including two years of chairing the Seafood Festival. David so enjoyed the many friends he made during his years with the Mayoki Indians and as Chief Mayoki in 1990. He loved and was an avid fan of his FSU Seminoles.
David was preceded in death by his mother and father, James A. and Annie Laura Riddle.
David is survived by his wife Nancy, son Jeff and daughter Kelly Illian-Small, his grandchildren Tyler, Tanner and Tate Illian and Terryn and Turner Small, all of Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, his brother James A. Riddle, Jr. and his wife Denise of Fairfax, Virginia and numerous nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law, as well as a number of very special friends.
Visitation will be held at 6:00pm Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, with service to follow at 7:00pm. The family will hold a Celebration of David's life at a later date at David's "little piece of paradise" Pensacola Beach.
The family wishes to thank the very compassionate Dr. Alejandro Inclan and his staff and the caring staff of the Joyce Goldenberg Covenant Hospice Residence. The many calls and cards from his friends of caring and concern for David during his brief illness have been truly comforting to his family.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a cause close to David's heart, the Tara Blackwell Medical Fund, Bank of Pensacola, P. O. Box 12966, Pensacola, FL 32591, or to Covenant Hospice, 5041 N. 12th Ave., Pensacola, FL, 32504.
HARPER-MORRIS MEMORIAL CHAPEL is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Riddle
Sparkie Folkers
October 19, 2008
Nancy,
We just got back in to town and heard the sad news. David was a special guy that will be missed by all of us. Know that we hurt with you and we pray for comfort and peace for your family.
John and Roxie Zaluski
October 15, 2008
Nancy, You will be in our thoughts and prayers
October 15, 2008
Nancy,
You and your family are in my prayers.
Trish Goliwas
Jeanette & John Geri
October 15, 2008
Nancy, Kelly & Jeff, let us first give our condolences to you and your entire family. There is no doubt that David treasured his family and felt very blessed to have all of you in his life, as you did to have him in yours.
Nancy - John and I cannot even begin to express our feelings for your loss. David left a mark on the life of everyone who knew him well - and we are proud to know that we are two of those people. The four of us have so many memories together ... way too many to list in this message, but you know what they are. David will be sorely missed by his friends as well as his family, but please take comfort in knowing how many lives he touched. As his friends and family remember him, it will be with a smile on their face, which is fitting since it would be David's wish for everyone to celebrate his life. God bless you in the difficult times that will follow - We Love you!
Mike & Linda Allen
October 15, 2008
Nancy, we're so sad to learn of David's passing. You and your family are in our hearts and prayers.
Patsy Lato
October 15, 2008
Such painful heartbreaking news. I'll miss my neighbor who always lit up the parking lot with his smile when I would drive up. I'll miss him joking with Nancy, and the tenderness he showed her. Dave leaves a void that will never be filled. God be with you Nancy and family.
REV. JAN JONES THACKERAY
October 15, 2008
I HAVE LAUGHED WITH DAVID MANY MANY TIMES AT PHS .IT WAS GREAT MEDICINE FOR BOTH OF US. TODAY HE IS EXERIENCING JOY UNSPEAKABLE AND FULL OF GLORY! HIS LAUGHTER WAS A GIFT HE LEFT TO US- WHAT A LEGACY!MAY THE LORD HIMSELF COMFORT YOU WITH HIS GREAT LOVE THROUGH THESE DIFFICULT DAYS.
Susan and Bob Warren
October 15, 2008
Bob and I send our sincere sympathy to you ,Nancy, in your loss of David. David was our Pensacola High class mate. We met you at the last reunion in 2003. Praying that God will grant you peace to ease your heart. David always had a lovely smile, a passion for life personality and a spirited spring in his walk. He will be greatly missed by all. David made a lasting memory when ever he meet anyone. Just look in his 1963 PHS yearbook page 236....David Riddle FRIENDLIEST...THAT SAYS IT ALL. Susan(Berry)and Bob Warren
Marilou Chandler (Gentry)
October 15, 2008
Nancy and family, I grew up with David both in First Baptist Church and, of course, in school. I considered him a friend and am so sorry to hear of his death. Much love to the entire family.
jim spink
October 15, 2008
Hello Nancy,
Our sympathy and prayers are with you and your family at this time. We sure enjoyed our good times with David at Santa Rosa pool. He was a good man.
Jim and Melody Spink
Mardell Ammon
October 14, 2008
Dear Nancy and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss.
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Mardell McCormick Ammon
Patsy Blackwell
October 14, 2008
Nancy, Kelly and Jeff,
David was truly an all around great guy. He was a friend to everyone he met and I can only imagine what a great family man he must have been. I am truly blessed to have met him and all of you. Hopefully time and wonderful memories will help heal your sadness. Your kindness and true concern for my daughter, Tara, has meant the world to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Sincerely, Patsy
Bill and Sara Davis
October 14, 2008
David was our Chief Mayoki in 1990 and always was a true leader. He loved Nancy and his children and grandchildren totally. We are proud to have known him.
Sandy Riddle-Bisdee
October 14, 2008
My uncle David was born 16 years after my father, Jim Riddle, was born. He was only eight years older than me, Sandy, Jim’s first born daughter. No matter how small the age difference seems to me now, he was always my older uncle. It wasn’t until my mid-teens when David began to notice my cute friends, did I realize that there was not that much of an age difference! When he married Nancy and adopted Jeff and Kelly, even though it was so long ago, I remember the way they bonded right away as a family. It seemed singular at that time in history. He loved them so much. Nancy became an easy friend, a friend of the soul, and I looked forward to the times that we got to see each other.
My uncle David was very funny. Although he and Dad were 16 years apart, you could tell that they were brothers. They had so much in common. They became closer over the last ten+ years, which is hard to do when siblings live so far apart.
Again, you know that Uncle David was very funny. I have to say that again. His laugh was very special and genuine. He knew how to have a good time. He was hard working. When he turned forty years old, he rented a casket and was driven through town. I think that a billboard read something like “Lordy Lordy , David Riddle is 40”. It was true David style. Grandmommy did not think that it was very funny at all, but I bet Pa-pop got a genuine kick out of his son’s folly. And I bet Pa-pop was first to greet him last Saturday night….. Grandmommy would wonder why he hadn’t called………! But she would be second in line to hug her beloved son and welcome him home.
This happened too fast. David survived a hole in his heart from birth and open heart surgery at age 16 when it was first developed. He survived other health issues that folks don’t know about. He gave so much of himself to others. I wanted to see Nancy and David again while we were still on this earth. But I know that David wanted us to remember him as he was: his warmth, his cool glasses and mustache and his wry humor. I am so glad that there will be a memorial to celebrate Uncle David’s life. That is where the stories will weave together to paint a portrait of the many sides of a very special man, my uncle David.
Love,
Sandy Riddle Bisdee
919-419-1704
Laura Mitchell
October 14, 2008
Nancy & Kelly,
David has left you with many memories.......I will always remember both of your friendships in the early days of my career.
With deep feelings for your loss.
Laura Mitchell
Karen Ross
October 14, 2008
Nancy, I met David in the mid 1950s when my mother and I moved to Pensacola. Our families were all friends for years. I am just so very sorry to hear of David's passing. Please know you and your family are all in our thoughts and prayers. Karen Ross (Snider)
Bonnie Brannen
October 14, 2008
Nancy,
I am so very sorry to hear about your loss.
Please accept my deepest sympathies . You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love to you and your family.
Debi Gillespie Fulgham
October 14, 2008
Nancy, you have been my friend since Disston Junior High in St. Pete and my TOX sister at Bogie. Saw this in the paper this morning. My deepest sympathy to you and your family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care my friend.
Kristi Renfroe
October 14, 2008
I worked with David back in the early 90's in my banking days and continued my friendship with him for many years through the Mayoki's.. He loved his family dearly and I don't think I ever saw him without a smile on his face. Incredible man and such a great loss. My heart and prayers go out to his family at this time.
Cheryl Smith
October 14, 2008
Nancy & Family,
I was so very saddened to hear about David. I don't know if you remember me Nancy,but I had the pleasure of working for David years ago at the Bayou Blvd. office of Barnett Bank. He was a wonderful manager and friend. There was always laughter whenever David was around and somehow he made work so much more fun and enjoyable. David and I had an annual bet on the FSU/Miami game for all the years that I worked with him. I was as much a Hurricane fan as he was a Seminole fan. I didn't ever have to buy Tequila thanks to David and the Noles back in the 90's. I will miss him tremendously and although I haven't seen him in years he will forever hold a very special place in my heart. My deepest sympathies to you and your family and please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom and Beverly Vaughn
October 14, 2008
As we read through all of the areas that David was involved in, it reminded us of all of the many activities that we have shared in throughout the years. Although the fun stuff provides us with many wonderful memories, you really get to know the character of someone when you work side by side on community projects. David was a tireless and selfless leader in this area and will be sorely missed by those lucky enough to call him a friend and the community he gave so much to. Our deepest sympathies go out to his entire family.
Martin & Chris Johnson
October 14, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.It has been a pleasure to have known David's children and Nancy what a joy they bring to every one .Please accept our condolences.. May the Lord be with at this time .
Shannon Jordan Snyder
October 14, 2008
Mrs. Riddle, Jeff and Kelly,
I was so sad to see Mr. Riddle's obituary in the paper this morning , when I saw the name I read on hoping that it was someone else and that I would not see Jeff and Kelly's names as family. I am so sorry for your loss and hope that the wonderful memories you all have will help you through.
Shannon Jordan Snyder
Anita Watson
October 14, 2008
Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. I went to school with David and have seen him off and on through the years. We were all at our 40th high school renion. He was such a sweet and gentle person. My prayers are with you and your family.
Tina Bradley
October 14, 2008
Nancy & Family; David has been a friend since the first day I met him at the Emerald Coast Classic. I have enjoyed knowing him and swapping books!! My heart goes out to you at this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kisha Murphy
October 14, 2008
Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Charlyne Kilpatrick
October 14, 2008
Nancy, you are in my prayers and I will see you soon. I love you, Char
Joy Haynes
October 14, 2008
My deepest sympathy to Nancy and family. I worked with David many years ago at Barnett Bank. Although, it never seemed like work when David was around..he always had us laughing, and I can still remember his laugh...and his smile. Ive always enjoyed running into David throughout the years. He loved you so, and shared stories of the kids and grandkids. May your wonderful memories bring you comfort. I will be praying for your family.
Phil May
October 14, 2008
I worked with Dave at the old Leon Federal in Tallahassee and later when he was with PMI. Enjoyed Dave and his excellent sense of humor and gusto for life. Hate to hear this, but I know he enjoyed life up till the end. My thoughts go out to the family.
Kelly Illian-Small
October 14, 2008
33 years ago, when I was 6 years old, David Riddle married my mother, Nancy. Shortly after he legally adopted my brother, Jeff and I. I have a faint memory of being asked by the Judge if it would be okay with me if David Riddle became my daddy and thinking to myself 'what a dumb question', he already was my daddy. Never has there been a day in these 33 years that I didn't feel he is "my daddy". He loved us unconditionally, supported us in everything we did, taught us right from wrong, and showed us to have a Faith in God, allowing us to truly believe his passing, although difficult, is a blessing, as he is now in a much better place. My dad has always been a man of integretity, strength, and generous beyond most.
I miss you daddy.
Larry & Diana Fordham
October 14, 2008
Nancy, please except our deepest and heartfelt condolences
on behalf of your husband and my friend. I will always remember David as a happy and compasionate person for his fellow man. He will truly be missed. May God poor out his spirit of peace and understanding at this time. Peace be with you and your family.
Kathy Maxwell
October 14, 2008
Kelly, so sorry to hear about your Dad. Thinking of you and your family. Kathy Smith Maxwell
Cathy Laird
October 13, 2008
David was an extremely dedicated and remarkable volunteer and friend. Devoted to celebrating the heritage of our Community, David dedicated his valuable time to enhancing the quality of life in Pensacola through his extensive commitment to Fiesta, Fiesta Forces, and it's major events and festivals. In the early 90's, many of David and Nancy's friends joined them in Fiesta Forces and volunteered in the fun and fellowship. Because of David's charisma many other people joined the endeavor and helped ensure the success of this historical celebration. Personally, he was always there for me with that wonderful smile and positive, can-do attitude. He gave many hours volunteering during festivals leading by example. I will always treasure those many hours we shared and I thank God I had this time to share with a very special person. Thank you David for all you gave to our community and the example you set for all of us. I will miss you so - Cathy
Pat Bridges
October 13, 2008
David and I have been friends since the 4th grade at Agnes McReynolds Elem. School. Our friendship continued to A. V. Clubbs Junior High, to Pensacola High and to Pensacola Junior College. Here we parted ways for a while; but resumed our friendship when David became our banker and then our stock broker for many years. For 53 years we have shared experiences and laughed at many funny things that happened to all of us growing up in Pensacola. I will miss him so much . . . his wonderful laugh and bubbly personalilty will always be a part of my life. We will certainly resume our friendship some day in heaven. His passsing is truly earth's loss and heaven's gain.
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