John Byrd Riddle

John Byrd Riddle passed away at his home in South Boston on Sunday, May 24, 2015. Mr. Riddle was born to Elizabeth M. Riddle and John J. Riddle on November 4, 1929. He lived in Roanoke, Virginia, until he entered Maryville College in 1949. Following his marriage to Betty Deyerle in 1951, Mr. Riddle served two years in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. In 1957, Mr. Riddle completed a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Virginia Tech. His first job was a trainee position at Burlington Industries; his entire 40-year career as a financial administrator was spent with that company. Mr. Riddle is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty Deyerle Riddle, three daughters and sons-in-law and three grandchildren – Beth Riddle O’Brochta and Mike O’Brochta of Roanoke - Becky Riddle-Whitlow and Zack Whitlow of Charlottesville -Amy Riddle Puryear and Don Puryear of Greensboro, North Carolina. Mr. Riddle’s three grandsons are William John O’Brochta, John Lee Puryear, and Matthew Donald Puryear. Mr. Riddle was a member of Halifax United Methodist Church for more than five decades, serving in various capacities, including the chair of the Administrative Board and the Finance Committee. The John Riddle Adult Sunday School Class was named in his honor following his many years of teaching that class. In the late 1960’s, Mr. Riddle was a member of the Lions’ Club in Raeford, North Carolina. He was an active member of the Halifax County Booster Club during the 1970’s and 80’s, and later he joined the South Boston Rotary Club. Mr. Riddle’s family is grateful to all of his caregivers for their constant dedication, compassion, support and love - Dianne Anderson, Chris Beadles, Elsie Guy, Barbara Haymes, Karen Morris, and Cathy Short. The family will receive visitors at Powell Funeral Home on Thursday, May 28, 2015, from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 29, 2015, at 11 a.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Halifax United Methodist Church, Box 357, Halifax, Virginia 24558 or The Patrick Henry Boys’ and Girls’ Home, 860 Red Hill Rd, Brookneal, Virginia 24528. Online condolences may be made at www.powellfunerals.com. Arrangements are by Powell Funereal Home, 1603 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, VA 24592. PDF Printable Version

John Byrd Riddle

November 4, 1929 - May 24, 2015