Mr. John William Riddle

COLUMBIA - Services for John William “Bill” Riddle will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, November 5, 2017 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, with visitation beginning at 3:00 p.m. Mr. Riddle died October 31, 2017. He was born in Gaston County, North Carolina on December 4, 1928 to the late Frank Clark and Sara Glenn Riddle. He was an Elder and Sunday School Superintendent at Covenant Presbyterian Church before becoming a charter member of Northeast Presbyterian Church in 1979. He was a 1955 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He served two years as a sergeant at Fort Jackson in the U.S. Army. He was married to the late Nell Henderson Riddle. He was an avid baseball fan, both as a standout player in American Legion and a coach for Dixie Youth and Pony League teams for many years. His talent as a pitcher in American Legion baseball, including striking out 21 batters in a game, drew interest from several major league teams culminating in a contract with the New York Giants at age 16. His dream to play major league baseball was cut short by an injury to his pitching arm. He retired after 30 years as a Senior Field Representative from State Auto Insurance Companies. He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Nell Henderson Riddle, a brother, Frank Clark Riddle, and his sister-in-law, Peggy Anne Riddle. Survivors include sons, John William Riddle, Jr. (Ann) of Jacksonville, FL and Dr. James Frank Riddle of Columbia; daughter, Julia Riddle Price (Scott) of Columbia; and two grandchildren, William Thomas Price (Reagan) and Caroline Henderson Price. The family would like to thank Ms. Elsie Friday for her many years of assistance to the Riddle Family. Memorials may be sent to Northeast Presbyterian Church, 601 Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223.