A photographic tribute to Tom's life, using photos shared with me by Tom's sister Kathy. The Riddles were friends and neighbors to my family when Tom and I were growing up. May he R.I.P. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiF7obRgunc

Tom was a good friend and I was honored to serve with him for a number of years on the board of the Virginia Train Collectors.  He will be missed, but not forgotten.

I am saddened to hear of Tom's passing. He was an avid volunteer at Lewis Ginter where I first met him. His dedication to Lewis Ginter was unsurpassed.

Tom and his family were faithful members of Fairview UMC.  Tom was involved in working with the youth in our church and is fondly remembered by each one who was a part of this group.  He had such a wealth of knowledge about trains and many other facts of history and he freely shared it with others.  He will be missed by many.
Deepest Sympathy to Kathy and all family members.

I was saddened to learn of Tom's passing from a mutual friend and classmate at University of Richmond, Class of 1974.  I wish to extend my heart-felt condolences to Tom's family.  Our first year, Tom resided in the dorm on the same floor as another fellow classmate who I grew up with from Southern Virginia.  Tom was one of the first people I met there upon matriculating at the University.  I knew Tom to be a kind-hearted person, charming and gregarious in his quiet way, intelligent and thoughtful.  He was always cheerful and level-headed in the face of some very large egos living around him.  In his way he was a calming influence.  His great passion was trains.  A graduate of E.C. Glass High School, native of Lynchburg VA he was knowledgeable and conversant on just about any subject, and a good listener.  God speed, Tom.  You were a good friend to me, and I am thankful for your life and your many kindnesses back during our glory days.  Ernest Love, Norfolk Virginia.

Tom was a great friend for many years and his friendly and positive attitude  will truly be missed!  He spent many meals with us out here in the woods and I enjoyed hearing him talk about local railroad history - especially that associated with early Richmond. He was always ready to lend a hand, whether at Lewis Ginter, the Crewe Railroad Museum or Blackstone for their annual Christmas Display. He also was strong in his faith. Jane and I both give our condolences to his family!

Ron and Jane Timma

My deepest sympathies. Tom was a mainstay of the VTC & "S" gauge communities in Virginia for almost over 40 years.



George Hoffer

I was simply shocked to hear of Tom's passing. Beyond words. He was such a good friend to the Virginia Train Collector's club. His volunteer contributions to Ginter Botanical Garden during the Christmas season was beyond measure. He will be missed by all who knew him.

I too remember Tom's cheerful "'Ello".  Always a good friend with whom to discuss trains and always willing to help a friend.  Heaven will enjoy having a 2 rail layout.

Tom has been like an Uncle to me as long as I can remember. My dad's best friend and someone I could rely on for a smile and the most cheerful "'Ello!" that I will never forget. So many hours of learning about S Scale and various bits of knowledge that were never boring. My heart breaks for a little joy goes with him, but that spark will live on in all those who knew him and loved him. All my love and deepest condolences to this family and friends. He was one in a million.

I have known Tom since before I can even remember--he was a neighbor, a childhood playmate, and his parents were some of my parents' best friends. Tom most recently was a very important part of a Closed Facebook page of people who grew up in Fairview Heights. He added immeasurably to our site by his extensive knowledge of history and his great remembrance of personal anecdotes from long ago about its residents. After Tom passed, I posted on that site memories of the Riddle family, in tribute, and here's what I wrote about Tom: "Once when Tommie came to our house to play, I remember drawing him to a back window and pointing to a water tower in the far distance. 'That's Disneyland!' I proudly announced. He believed me and was awed. I truly thought it was Disneyland because I didn't yet know how large the world was. We were probably four, possibly younger. For some reason, that memory never left me like so many others. Tom grew up to bring the daily news to our door step." He will be missed by the entire Fairview Heights Facebook page, as well as many others in his old childhood neighborhood. RIP, Friend.

For both my family and the members of the Potomac Valley S Gauge Association I want to convey our condolences to Tom's family.  We had known him many years and he will be missed by the model railroad community and as a friend.

My condolences to your family and I wish you'll the very best.  I knew Tom from High School and he was a good friend!  Again, I am very sorry for your loss!

Tom is one of Norris's most loyal friends and supported him while he was recovering from his illness. We will miss him very much. 
We are thankful to God for having had Tom in our life.

Tom will be greatly missed by friends as well as family!  He shared a wealth of knowledge of "historical information" with facebook and other friends.  Fond memories of Tom and his family at FUMC.  Sympathy and Prayers for Comfort to Kathy and all other family members!

Blanche Watts

Sending much love to the family. Tommy was such a good person. My family has known him since he used to deliver our newspaper. Travel well my friend. Find that special train and go cloud to cloud.

Sandra Mayberry Ayers

OBITUARY

Aubrey Thomas Riddle Jr.

November 15, 1951 – February 16, 2017

Whitten Timberlake Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services