Eddie Rogers Riddell

Eddie Rogers Riddell, age 83, of Jackson, Tennessee, passed away on April 30, 2025. He was born on December 23, 1941, in Haywood County to the late Eddie B. Riddell and Ruth Norman Riddell.

Eddie graduated from Beech Bluff High School in 1960 and proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He later retired from the Tennessee Department of Transportation in 2015 after 21 years of dedicated service.

A gifted musician, Eddie’s love for music was lifelong. He was honored as an inductee into the International Rockabilly Hall of Fame and played alongside many talented musicians throughout his life, always holding his band members dear. His passion for music and softball (and now tee ball) was only matched by the love he had for his family.

Since grade school, Eddie fiercely loved his wife, Martha Jane Riddell, and together they shared over 60 years of marriage. He was also a devoted Christian from an early age and was a longtime member of Hillcrest Baptist Church and a current member of New Beginnings Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Chris Allen Riddell; his parents; his sisters: Barbara Jean Riddell, Judy Riddell, Rose Weaver, and Maria Jines; and his sister-in-law, Betty Lou Heavner.

Eddie leaves behind his loving wife, Martha Jane Riddell, and his children: Kenny Riddell (Laura), Patti Long (Vince), and Eddie Gene Riddell (Teresa). He was the proudest and most loving Papaw to his grandchildren: Haley Long Hardee (Brandon), Katie Long Doherty (Brandon), and Lauren Riddell Volz (Zach). His greatest joy came from being “Papaw,” and he was the very best. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren, Livvi Jane Hardee and the soon-to-arrive Abel Rogers Doherty.

He is also survived by his sister, Vicky Montoya (Dave); brother-in-law, Joe Heavner (Chris); many cherished nieces and nephews; and a host of lifelong friends who meant the world to him.

His kindness, musical talent, and unwavering devotion to faith and family—especially as the best Papaw—will be remembered always by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

Visitation will be held at Lawrence-Sorensen Funeral Home in Jackson on Saturday, May 3rd, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with services to follow, officiated by Brother Allen Brown. Burial will take place at Highland Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers are Joe Heavner, Denny Ray Latham, Dave Montoya, Brandon Doherty, Brandon Hardee, and Zach Volz. Honorary pallbearers are nephews Jonathan and Michael Montoya.