J. C. Riddle

Dedicated, fiercely loved, never met a stranger, gregarious, outgoing, easy to
meet, friendly, jovial, entertained others with funny stories, faithful, full of grace, upbeat, jokester, lovable, funny, gentleman, kind, humorous, generous, loving, loyal, playful, vibrant, full of life, a bit mischievous, a kid at heart, taught by example, loved the Lord...words his family use to describe Dad, Pops, Daddy, and Papaw…JC Riddle.

His grandson shares that when he thinks of Papaw, he thinks of him as someone that has always had one of the strongest work ethics. Hearing stories of him start working as a teenager and then working well into his 90’s. He remembers as a kid working at the farm. Papaw never complained about work. He was always there early and usually was one of the last to leave, even as an elderly man. Papaw was also probably one of the one most friendly and outgoing individuals he knew. Every time they would go on vacation, dinner, etc., Papaw would strike up conversations with anyone. He could talk to anyone about anything and connect with them. He would have random strangers laughing after brief conversations.

JC Riddle, passed into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on March 23, 2025 at the age of 100. After a fulfilling life as a farmer and a family man, he is now with his wife, his parents, brothers, and sisters in the perfection of God’s glory.

James Calvin Riddle, was born on March 29, 1924 on the family farm near Hamlin, Texas. He was the fifth of eight children born to George Ralph Riddle and Leslie Sockwell Riddle. He was named after his grandfather, Calvin Riddle, known as CC Riddle. JC was a life-long resident of Jones County. He attended school at Wise Chapel before graduating from Hamlin High School. He spent his life raising cotton and wheat. Cattle, pigs, and sheep found their way in life of this farmer. JC was a lifetime farmer, first working with his dad, Ralph Riddle and with his brother, Kenneth Riddle. Years later he was blessed to farm with his son, Ronnie Riddle, until JC decided to retire at the age of 97! Partnership has been the theme of this man’s life.

JC married Betty Jean Barton on December 24, 1943 at the preacher’s house. They worked together farming until her health declined. She died October 11, 1951 from multiple sclerosis.

Kenneth Riddle and his soon-to-be wife, Jo, arranged a blind date for JC. This blind date became his wife of 59 years! On January 10, 1953, Ola Henson Stinson and JC Riddle were married in the home where they raised their family in Stamford. JC and Ola were active members of First Baptist Church, Stamford. He served as a deacon of the church and was a Sunday School teacher for 1st grade boys. JC sang in the church choir for many years. He drove the church bus on Sunday mornings to pick up members needing a ride to services.  Even after his children left home, he and Ola traveled on mission trips with the high school choir. JC served as a trustee on the Stamford School board in the 1970’s.

Throughout their marriage J.C. and Ola enjoyed traveling. If J.C. asked her if she wanted to go somewhere, Ola had their suitcases packed! A favorite vacation spot was Branson, Missouri. Their travels included Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, and the Caribbean Islands.

JC shared great times of domino playing with his friends at the Stamford VIP. As a widower he ate Saturday lunch with many widow friends from church and from Aspermont. They referred to him as Romeo! With his family he spent many hours playing, teasing, and teaching his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren this favorite pastime of playing dominos. Family reunions centered around 42 and 84. Those cherished moments will be missed!

JC was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Ola, of 59 years, his siblings, Floradene Glenn, Dorris Morrison Bradbury, Eloise Terrell, Marjorie Fowler, Kenneth Riddle, Sharlot Gabriel, Wanesfell Riddle, and his loving and attentive daughter-in-law, Sandra Riddle.

JC is survived by his children: son, Johnnie Riddle of Hamlin, daughter, Debbie (Dave) Letz of Abilene, and son, Ronnie (Patty) Riddle of Abilene. His grandchildren are Dee (Troy) Kropik of Rowlett, Shae (Christie) Creel of Wylie-Dallas, Christopher (Adel) Riddle of Boyd, April (Jason) Tedford of Aledo, Amber (George) Ramirez of Montgomery, Alan (Jennifer) Letz of College Station, Sterling (Emily) Riddle of Abilene, and Hadley (Jack) Hammond of Abilene. Great-grandchildren are Brandi (Dean) Carpenter, Laryn Kropik, Clarke Creel, Jhett Creel, Annsley Creel, Aydriel Riddle, Ayrik Riddle, Kailyn Speed, Addison Speed, Sawyer Tedford, Jacob Ramirez, Cole Ramirez, Elizabeth Letz, David Letz, Rebekah Letz, Sarah Letz, Blaire Riddle, Palmer Riddle, Georgia Hammond, Scarlett Hammond, Audrey Hammond, and Grant Hammond. Great-great-grandchild is Tyler Newcomb. JC has many, many loving nieces and nephews that have honored him throughout his life!

Family and friends will gather for visitation on Friday, March 28, 2025 from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. at Tankersley Funeral Home in Stamford, Texas. The celebration of JC’s life will be held on Saturday, March 29, at 1:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Stamford. Officiant of the service will be Dr. Jacob West, Dean of Logsdon School of Theology at Hardin-Simmons University. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Cemetery in Stamford. Pallbearers will be Shae Creel, Alan Letz, Chris Riddle, Sterling Riddle, Rey Rodriguez, and Victor Rodriguez.

The family sincerely thanks his caregivers, Johnny Franklin, Lydia Aguilar, Marilyn Armstrong, Esther Chavez, Denise Edmond, and Sheila Mata for their loving care of our dad. We also want to acknowledge Hendrick Hospice for their assistance and care. Memorials in JC’s honor may be sent to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 24, Stamford, TX 79553 or to Hendrick Hospice Care.

Online condolences may be made and viewed at www.tankersleyfuneralhome.com