Charlie DeWayne Riddle

Charlie DeWayne Riddle, of Waldron, Arkansas, was born October 11, 1945, in Waldron to Bill and Sara (Churchill) Riddle. He passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on January 29, 2026.

Charlie was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose life was defined by compassion, hard work, and a wonderful sense of humor. He had a way of making people feel welcome and valued, often lifting spirits with a smile, a kind word, or a well-timed joke. To those who knew him, Charlie was steady, dependable, and full of heart - the kind of man you could count on in good times and in hard ones.

Charlie believed in honest work and lived a life of service to others. He was proud to be a cattle farmer and spent many years in property management. He was also well known for his time as an auctioneer, a role that fit his personality and brought him joy. Charlie dedicated 44 years of his life to education as a 5th grade math teacher, patiently guiding generations of students and leaving a lasting impact far beyond the classroom. He also served his community as a school bus driver for more than 40 years, faithfully and safely transporting countless children - a quiet but meaningful role he carried with pride. Charlie had received notable lifetime achievement awards such as Arkansas Teacher of the Year in 2004 and 2008 and Ann Crossett Citizen of the Year in 2018.

His faith and his community were central to who he was. Charlie attended the Waldron United Methodist Church, was a member of the Scott County Cattlemen's Association, and enjoyed gathering with friends and neighbors at the Waldron Livestock Auction on Thursdays. These were more than routines - they were part of the life he loved and the people he cherished.

Charlie hated being away from his cows but with encouragement from his adventurous wife Adrienne he was blessed to see many parts of the world traveling with her. He also enjoyed sharing his wife's passion for aviation during the many years owning their own planes.

Above all, Charlie believed in the value of perseverance. His family hopes those who reflect on his life will remember the lesson he lived by: with hard work and dedication, you can achieve any goal you set for yourself.

Charlie leaves behind a family who will forever hold his memory close: his wife, Adrienne Riddle; one sister Sabrina Traylor, sons: Brent Riddle and wife Amy, and Ryan Riddle; step-son Steven Bonner and wife Leigh Anne; step-daughter Laura Rippey and husband Terry. Grandchildren Kevin Schafer and wife Kimber, Morgan Musteen and husband Thomas, Madison Riddle and fiance' Jarrett, Kristin Riddle and fiance' Nathan, step grandchildren: Andrew Bonner, Christopher Rippey, Janie Rappeport and husband Jack as well as 6 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters: Billie Sehorn, Christine Thomas and Bertha Swanner.

Charlie's Celebration of Life services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 6, 2026, in the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Roger Rice and Rev. Clyde Traylor officiating. Interment will follow in Duncan Cemetery.

Charlie's pallbearers will be Brian Kopf, Scotty Clemmons, Danny Penion, Odell Finney, Gary Clepper and Bennie Hawkins. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Thompson, Terry McMellon, Bob Ammons, Rick Barnett and Earl Wayne Thompson.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home. Arrangements are being entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Charlie's life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and he will be loved beyond words and missed beyond measure