Sam Garnett Riddell

Sam was born in Moorhead, MS, to Iola and Mal Riddell. He attended school at his beloved French Camp Academy and Mississippi Delta Junior College. He served his country in the US Marine Corps during WWII. He spent his life living the motto of the Corps, “Semper Fidelis,” always faithful. He was faithful to his wife, his family, his numerous friends, and the Church, all in service to his Savior Jesus Christ, the ever faithful Lord and King.

Sam served First Baptist Jackson as a Deacon. He worked as manager of Mississippi Livestock Producers Association. He served as an officer in the Mississippi Cattleman’s Association and was inducted into the MCA Hall of Fame. He served on the first Board of Directors of Jackson Preparatory School. He, also, enjoyed hunting because he loved to spend his leisure time with family and friends at the “deer camp.”

Sam married Betty Tharp and together they had four children, Melvia Riddell Sumrall (Andy), Sam Garnett Riddell, Jr. (Fran), William Walter Riddell (Anne), and Marie Riddell Gardener (Ben). He is survived by his wife, Betty, three children, Sam, Walter, and Marie, fourteen grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, and his sisters, Joann Riddell Stone and Betty Jean Riddell Cotton. Sam is predeceased by his father, Mal Shaw Riddell, mother Iola Garnett Riddell, brothers, James William Riddell and Dr. Mal Shaw Riddell, Jr., sister, Iola Carolyn Riddell, and his daughter, Melvia Riddell Sumrall.

Graveside interment service for the family will be held at Parkway Cemetery at 9:00 AM on Monday, May 15, 2017. A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 15, at 10:00 AM at First Baptist Jackson in the Chapel followed by visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Sam’s name to: French Camp Academy, One Fine Place, Attn: Lance Ragsdale, French Camp, MS 39745; or to: First Baptist Jackson, Senior Adult Ministry, 431 North State St., Jackson, MS 39201.