Charlie Earl Riddick

Charlie was a 1961 graduate of East Suffolk High School. He was a member of First Baptist Church Mahan. After graduating high school, Charlie entered the workforce and later enlisted in the US Army from 1965-1973. During his years of service, he was a Computer Repairman, spent two years in Vietnam as a Staff Sergeant and was an instructor for Basic Electronics at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL. He received the Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Bronze Star Medal. After serving in the military, Charlie started his career as a Machinist at the Norfolk Naval Air Station in 1973. He was the first black promoted to the position of Machinist Supervisor. In 1998, WHRO interviewed Charlie highlighting his accomplishments throughout the years at Norfolk Naval Air Station. Charlie chose to retire in 1998 from the Air Station. Not one to keep still, Charlie spent time as a machinist consultant with the Air Station, as a part-time fork-lift operator with Massimo Zanetti Beverage Co. and volunteering services with his beloved church, First Baptist Church Mahan.  He was a member of the Suffolk Boosters Club and Unity Brothers Club.  In his spare time, Charlie enjoyed playing pinochle, fishing, and hunting.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Elizabeth M. Riddick; son, Michael E. Riddick (Lenora) of Hopewell, VA; daughter, Evelyn Boykins of Suffolk; stepdaughters, Col. Angela Wannamaker (Alonzo) of Accokeek, MD, and Col. Monica Morris of Waldorf, MD; sister, Clara Mae Pope of Smithfield, NC; nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; mother-in-law, Doretha Ricks; sisters-in-law, Janet Riddick of Brooklyn, NY, Constance Ricks and Felicia Doswell (Wilbur) of Suffolk, VA, Wanda Parker of Baltimore, MD and Vanessa McKnight (Percy) of Columbus, SC; a special nephew, Thomas Stallings; a devoted friend, Richard Faulk, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

A public viewing will be held 1:00-5:00 pm, Sunday, November 5, 2023, in the Melvin J. Blowe Chapel. A celebration of life will be held 11:00 am, Monday, November 6, 2023, at First Baptist Church Mahan. Repast follows services at the Suffolk Boosters Club. His interment, with military honors, will be held 11:00 am, Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home.