Charles Riddick

“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance.” -Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 Charles Donald Riddick, affectionately known as “Ducky” to his beloved family and friends, passed away on June 30, 2023, at the age of 68. He will be deeply missed by those whose lives he touched and the wonderful family he leaves behind. Ducky truly had a gentle, laid-back spirit with an incredible heart that made a significant impact on those around him. He was compassionate and loyal to those in his circle. He had a strong faith in God that remained steadfast throughout his life. Though he is no longer with us, we trust that Ducky’s legacy will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of those he cherished most, in the stories they share and in the memories that can never be forgotten. Charles Donald Riddick was born on October 9, 1954, in Gates County, North Carolina to loving parents Vance Hendy Riddick and Marjorie Althea Ballard Riddick. Donald was blessed to have grown up alongside his two brothers, Robert Erving Sr. and Ronald Riddick. As a youngster, Donald carried the nickname “Ducky””. He enjoyed reading any comic book he could get his hands on and regularly attending Sunday service at New Hope Baptist Church. Throughout his childhood, Donald attended Gates County Public Schools and graduated from Gates County High School in 1972. Following graduation, he went on to pledge Alpha Phi Omega at Elizabeth City State University before deciding to change course and join the Armed Forces, where he devoted two decades serving his country in the United States Air Force. Donald spent most of his time working with classified information and honorably retired after twenty commendable years of service. In his adult life, Donald developed an interest in cars and a deep passion for music, specifically Jazz and Old School R&B. He could often be found browsing Birdland’s record store in search of classic pieces to add to his extensive collection or discussing his love of music with others. But those that knew “Ducky” best, knew he especially loved his family. He enjoyed spending time at family gatherings and was often the last person to leave, truly soaking in all the precious time he could. Though Donald was a man of few words, his presence was that of joy, peace and comfort. He was mild-mannered, compassionate, a great listener, and an exceptionally kind-hearted man. He lived a simple life- one of honor, dignity and respect, holding true to his morals and deep-rooted faith in Christ. We know he is now in the arms of Jesus, rejoicing in a life well-lived. Charles Donald Riddick is survived by his nephews, Roderick Erving and Robert Erving Jr, a host of cousins, loving relatives and treasured friends. “Really gonna miss you. It's really gonna be different without you. Time is gonna be hard and slow. For the rest of my life, I'm gonna be thinking about you. Yes, I am. Time came when you had to go. Really gonna miss you. Everything about you, your smiling face. I know you want us all to be strong. Really gonna miss you. I know you're gone to that magic place, singing you a brand-new song.” ~Smokey Robinson A celebration of life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, July 15, 2023 at New Hope Baptist Church-Gates, N.C. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles Riddick, please visit our flower store.