J. Norman Riddle

Norman was born in Davie County on February 2, 1937, to the late Oscar Rich and Mattie Beauchamp Riddle. He was a member of Temple Baptist Church and began dairy farming with his father at a young age. In 1961, he and his wife bought a farm in Iredell County, and over the next several decades, Norman became one of the leading dairy farmers in the state of North Carolina. He won awards too numerous to mention and was featured in multiple magazines and newspapers for his innovative and industry leading techniques. His passion for farming was so great that his two oldest sons (David and Nelson) followed him into the family business. The farm continues to operate under their guidance to this day.

Norman's greatest passion was for antique tractors. He restored, bought, sold, and traded with the best of them. Through his passion for restoring antique tractors, he met so many wonderful people who he appreciated dearly. He was honored as the Grand Marshall of the annual Davie County 4th of July parade by the Piedmont Antique Power Association, and he wore his cap from that organization proudly until his very last days.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Lou Jean Lakey.

Norman is survived by his wife of 52 years Jean Sharpe Riddle, whom he married on January 16, 1959; his four sons, David Riddle (Paula) of Stony Point, Nelson Riddle (Pam) of Statesville, Joel Riddle (Deborah) and Paul Riddle (Kim), both of Charlotte; six grandchildren, Emily, Ben, Philip, James, Ginny, and Ian Riddle; a brother, Donald Riddle of Farmington, NC; and a sister Naomi Vick (Bernie) of Greenville, NC.

While Norman had many passions, his heart was and always will be with his family. As much as he loved farming and tractors, nothing compared to the love he had for his family. He gave selflessly of himself so many times. He loved each of his children and grandchildren in a way only a fantastic Dad/Papaw could do. He was so proud of each of his children and grandchildren, and he let them know regularly.

Funeral services celebrating Norman’s life will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, December 27, 2011, at Temple Baptist Church with the Rev. Terry Tevepaugh, the Rev. Randy Mitchell, and the Rev. Bob Harris officiating. Burial will follow at Snow Creek United Methodist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Monday at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home and at other times will be at the residence.

Condolences may be sent to family online at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to Snow Creek United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Jim Rickert, 885 Snow Creek Road, Statesville, NC 28625; or to Temple Baptist Church, 205 Museum Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.