Joe S. Riddick Sr.

A Father’s Love is unconditional. A Father’s Love gives life. A Father’s Love has no boundaries. A Father’s Love will never die. To be heard, without saying a word. To be hugged, when I am feeling blue. To be understood, when I am confused. So rare is a Dad like you. Your loving smile and gentle laugh make all the difference in my day. Your endless wisdom and timeless advice always helps me find my way. In you there is no equal! You were in a class all your own and because of all the Love you give me, I will never be alone. It’s an honor to know you, share stories and dreams. I will always think of you smiling no matter how tough life seems. You’re special beyond compare, your heart so kind and true. I wish that everyone on earth could have a dad like you. On Sunday, December 27, 2020 our loved one, Joe Simon Riddick, Sr., 78, departed from this earthly life for his eternal rest and peace with the Lord. Joe was born March 4, 1942 in Norfolk County, Va to the late Charles Major Riddick and the late Mary Etta Riddick (Gray). He was the youngest of 11 children and was educated in the Norfolk County School System. Joe was employed by the International Longshoreman’s Association (ILA) Local 1458, where he was the son and brother of former ILA retiree’s Charles and Wright Riddick. His brother Wright Riddick first introduced him to the waterfront in 1962. He worked under the wing of Header Leroy Hayes for about four years. In 1966, Joe was promoted to Header himself. In 1979, Joe was elected to serve as Vice President of ILA Local 1458 and in just one year became Local 1458’s Business Agent. Joe was also a member of the Credit Committee and Board of Directors of the ILA Federal Credit Union, Trustee of the Fund, Member of the Alcohol and Drug Committee, Executive of the Board of District Council and Chaplin of the Port of Hampton Roads. Joe retired after 40 years of excellent service. As a young man, Joe dedicated his life to serving the Lord. He currently served as Trustee, Treasurer and Maintenance Manager of his family church, Pleasant Grove Pentecostal Holiness Church in Chesapeake, Va.; He was a Member of J.P. Cater Masonic Lodge Prince Hall. Joe was a loving husband, father and friend. He was a dad to everyone and was the families “Rock” stepping in whenever he was needed. Joe had a connection with all and never met a stranger. Joe enjoyed watching Westerns and was an avid car enthusiast who began purchasing cars around the age of 13. Joe loved to tell old stories about his life growing up as child. He would often make his special Pullled Pork Bar-b-que for family functions and enjoyed entering his recipe into ILA cook-offs. Joe leaves to cherish, his Wife Syvella Y. Winborne-Riddick of 59 years. His three children Deborah Y. Smallwood (Andy), Joe S. Riddick (Rose), Lashanda K. Johnson (Calvin) all of Chesapeake, Va., and a nephew he raised Lamont Mcglone of Wisconsin. Two sisters Katie Baker and Eula Brooks of Chesapeake, Va. One aunt Lillie Mae Gray of Chesapeake, Va. Four sister-in-law’s Ora Mae McPherson and Ruth Adams of Chesapeake, Va. Cynthia Smith (Al) of Virginia Beach, Va and Darlene Bell of Norfolk, Va. Two brother-in-law’s George Riddick of Chesapeake, Va and Larry Gaines (Margaret) of NC. Seven grandchildren, Byron Smallwood Sr, Keyonia Smallwood, Jaron Riddick, Evonne Riddick, Yasmin Harper, Elijah Harper & Javonna Harper. Five great grandchildren Amiya Gwynn, Andy Zachariah Smallwood, Noah Johnson, Antwan Smallwood, Byron Smallwood Jr and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Joe was preceded in death by his mother and father Charles and Mary Etta Riddick. Six sisters Liza Riddick, Lillian Riddick, Mariah Riddick, Martha Cherry, Evelyn Perry and Beulah Rice. Two brother’s Ivory and Wright Riddick. Two grandson’s Dejon Riddick and Andy Smallwood Jr. If you are planning to attend the service, the church will practice social distancing, you will be required to wear a mask and have your temperature taken at the door. The service will also be broadcast live at www.experiencebethany.com

Joe S. Riddick Sr.

March 4, 1942 - December 27, 2020