Mr. Kenneth “Ken” Riddle, age 68, Elizabethton, passed away Saturday, September 26, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his family.
Mr. Riddle was born in Kingsport, Tennessee on February 23, 1958, to the late Raymond & Pauline Lewis Riddle. He was also preceded in death by a son, Tyler Riddle. Survivors include his wife, Norma Myers Riddle, Elizabethton; son, Clint Riddle, Kingsport; sister-in-law, Gail Myers, Elizabethton; several cousins and a host of friends including his special friends, Keith Holley, Richard Brown, David Poteat, Cody Cagle, and members of “Tuba Five”. Ken was a Brillant man with a wide range of interest in friends, most of all he was devoted to his family and was a good husband, father and son. He loved trains, music, people, sharing laughs, stories and good food with friends and family.
He was a member of Blountville Christian Church.
Mr. Riddle was a member of the Canton-St. Paul and Pacific Railway Steam Club in Canton, Georgia. He was also a member of the Roan Mountain Masonic Lodge #566.
Ken had a varied career staring as a band director in high schools, worked on the New Georgia Railroad Project restoring Steam Locomotive #290 and finally retiring from Yates Industries. Ken was a very talented musician playing several instruments. He was also a master storyteller and volunteered at Doe River Gorge Camp.
Graveside services will be conducted at 10:00 AM Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Monte Vista Burial Park, 1900 E. Oakland Ave. Johnson City, Tennessee 37601, with Minister Justin Daniel officiating. Family and friends are requested to meet at Monte Vista at 9:50 AM on Wednesday.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses, social worker and staff of Amedisys Hospice for their loving care and concern.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.dillow-taylor.com
Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821
Norma and Clint, I'm saddened to hear the news of Ken's passing. He was a good friend to me and I will miss him. My prayers go out to you and I'm truly sorry for your loss.
09/30/2026
Joe Bays
Norma, so sorry for your loss. Ken was great to me and I really enjoyed getting to know you both better in the last few years.
09/30/2026
Keith Holley
Gonna miss you my Friend, always loved it when you came by the yard office and we would go into the shop sit down and tell railroad stories, catch up on things, we even heard the “Booger” one day. I’m proud to call you my Friend. Rest easy.
09/30/2026
Jeff and Vada Beverly
Norma, we are so sorry to hear of Ken's passing. I enjoyed our many conversations over the past few years. He always asked about Ross and how he was doing in Knoxville. Vada and I will be praying for you and your family.
09/29/2026
J R Sharpe
Norma, so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. I always enjoyed talking with and listening to his many adventures and enjoyed his many cigars that he shared. J R
09/29/2026
Bill & Phyllis Neurdenburg
Norma, We are heartbroken over Ken’s passing. We were so blessed to have known him these last few years!! He loved sitting on the porch & enjoying a cigar. We love you & will continue praying for you, Clint & Gail❤️
09/29/2026
Chuck Gillenwater
Norma, so sorry to hear about Ken, he was great person, a good friend and you guys were great neighbors. I miss walking down the street and hearing him say “good morning” and calling Rockford Killer!! We will be Praying for you and your family.
09/28/2026
Vickie Lewis
The picture is perfect. It is so Kenneth. He was a funny and talented guy. I will always think him as a kid. We shared many family get togethers at Love Chapel. He will be missed by all of us. Love and prayers to him and Norma. ❤️?
09/28/2026
Tammy Strong
Ken was a great friend and a wonderful class mate. So very talented and kind. Prayers for peace and comfort
09/28/2026
Michael McGaha
We are going to miss you , Cuz. You had a million stories. One was you knew my neighbor in Charlotte. Fred Kirby the singing cowboy on WBTV Little Rascals program. He was also the Marshall at Tweetsie railroad in Boone NC. You worked with him and on the Tweetsie steam engine. Some funny stories. RIP, Cuz. We will miss you.
