Howard Lee Riddle

Howard Lee Riddle, age 84 of Erwin, TN, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 3, 2026. Howard was born in Washington County, Tennessee, to Walter Riddle and Myrtle Whaley Riddle.

He spent his childhood on the family farm alongside his brother, Herman, and his sister, Phyllis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother and sister.

Howard graduated from Unicoi County High School and later attended East Tennessee State University, but his real education came in a lifetime of steady work.

While working at Waterbury’s Grocery Store, he met the love of his life, Phyllis Ann Wiggand. Before long, the two slipped across the North Carolina line and were married in Burnsville, beginning a lifelong partnership. When his new father-in-law discovered they had eloped, he told Howard, “This ain’t over.” Howard carried that line with him through sixty-two years of marriage, reminding folks with a grin that “it still ain’t over.”

Howard leaves behind a legacy of service to his community, his family, and his faith. He faithfully served the children of Unicoi County as a school bus driver on the Coffee Ridge route for many years, hauling generations of children up and down the mountain with a care that went far beyond the job. On the last day of school, he made it a tradition to stop at Roadside Rest and treat every child to whatever they wanted from the menu—a simple act that spoke to his kindness and generosity.

Howard was elected Unicoi County Constable, a role he carried with quiet dedication for more than thirty years. He assisted the Unicoi County Sheriff’s Department when needed and stood watch at countless Blue Devil football and basketball games.

More than anything, Howard’s life was defined by his devotion to his family and his faith. He was a proud father, papaw, and great-papaw—the calm, steady patriarch to his daughter, Donna (Darrell Tittle); a best friend and hero to his grandsons, Zachary (Kelly Tittle) and Robie, Jr. (Hali Sullins); and a whimsical character to his great-grandsons, Inman, Jack, and Sterling. He kept up with every wedding, every birth, every job promotion, and every small victory, carrying each one with pride.

Howard lived his faith until the end. For many years, he served as Sunday School Superintendent, deacon, and Sunday School teacher at Johnson City Freewill Baptist Church. He loved gospel hymns and could often be found turning the thin pages of a worn Bible, underlined and marked from years of returning to the same truths.

Howard showed up, day after day, for the people he loved, never asking for credit. Though he will be greatly missed, his family and friends take comfort in knowing he has simply gone on ahead and will be there to meet them in Heaven.

Howard’s obituary was lovingly written by his grandson, Robie.

The Riddle family will receive friends from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 07, 2026, at the funeral home. Howard’s funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Larry Duggar officiating. Howard’s grandsons, Robie and Zachary will deliver his eulogy. Music will be provided by Howard’s “surrogate daughter,” Luann Wysocki. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Zachary Tittle, Robie Sullins, Darrell Tittle, Lance Banks, Mike Harrell, and Dennis Tipton will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in memory of Howard to: The Unicoi County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 223, Erwin, Tennessee 37650.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Riddle family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com 

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Riddle family. (423) 743-1380

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