Ernest Leon Riddle

Funeral services for Ernest L. Riddle, of Gallant, will be 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2013, at Collier-Butler Chapel. Burial will follow at Conn Cemetery in Gallant. The Rev. Freddie Keener will officiate. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services directing.

Ernest L. Riddle was born on December 27, 1945, in Hurricane, WV and died at home in Gallant, Alabama, on July 11, 2013. He was raised in Henegar, Alabama, and Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs, Florida. He moved to Gallant in 2006 with his wife, Frances, and mother-in-law. He enjoyed being closer to his family who lived in this area.

Ernie worked most of his life as a lumber warehouse man, which he loved. He was a shrimper for 9 years, which was hard work but fulfilled his love of being on the water. He was a strong man who suffered during his later years from a back injury.

Ernie was a deeply caring man who had strong connections with his family, friends, and animals. He loved a good hunt, whether for deer, artifacts, or the big bass. He loved being in nature, whether on the water or in the woods. Many hours were spent in his earlier days telling stories around a campfire with good friends. In Gallant he was an active member of Conservation Lake and was also a board member at the time of his death. He was a member of Samuels Chapel United Methodist Church.

Ernie’s family and friends appreciated him as a good-hearted, true blue man who was always there if needed. He loved to talk and nurtured his many nieces and nephews with much love and wisdom. He had strong opinions and stood up for the causes that were important to him.

Ernest was predeceased by his mother and father, William Albert and Reta Searls Riddle; his dear aunt and uncle James and Betty Searls; his brother-in-law Mackey Lemons; and beloved nephew Christopher Lemons.

He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Frances; his sisters Phyllis (Rich) McKelvey of Albertville, Ruth Lemons and Wanda (Raymond) Lemons of Attalla, Linda (Bill) Brennan of Callahan, Florida and Dale (Renee) Riddle of Virginia Beach, Virginia. He is also survived by his Searls cousins Ann (Charlie) Quick, Barbara (Steve) Pozek and Louise (Rick) Goldsmith, who shared his childhood when Ernie and his siblings were taken in by their aunt and uncle. His many nieces and nephews will miss their Uncle Ernie very much. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Mary Hogg and children of Owosso, Michigan and Barbara Harrington of Gallant, Alabama.

Special thanks to Hospice of Marshall County for their wonderful care, Dr. Thomas Corley, Gadsden Regional Medical Center staff, Drs. Masood, Kaleem, Boykin, and Herring, and also to Dr. Jordan of Kirklin Clinic in Birmingham for their care and concern. Many, many thanks to the family, friends, and Pastor Freddie Keener, who all supported Ernie so faithfully in his final journey.

Pallbearers are Raymond Lemons, Andy Lemons, Brandon Hudgins, Rich Rennhack, Bill Brennan and Kevin Jackson. Honorary pallbearer is Bob Brock.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday evening at Collier-Butler Funeral Home in Gadsden.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.collier-butler.com