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HERTFORD, NC – Grayling Kelley Riddick, 68, passed away peacefully in his home on the morning of Saturday, March 23, 2024. A resident of Perquimans County since 2021, he was happy to look at the waters of the Perquimans River where he spent his final days at home.

Mr. Riddick was born on December 14, 1955, grew up in Gates County, and was the son of the late Jimmie and Jessie Riddick. Raised on a farm with his parents, two brothers and a sister, agriculture was in his blood. He left family farming to go to work with the late W. Rufus Harrell at Central Grain in 1974. Working with Mr. Harrell until the company was acquired by Parkway Ag in December of 2000, he remained with Parkway until he retired in November of 2023. He spent 49 years at the same job, doing what he loved most, helping those in the agricultural industry with crop production services. He deeply appreciated his years spent with Parkway Ag, and all the farmers he dealt with on a daily basis, many of whom were considered dear friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Denise Riddick; and his faithful canine companion, Scooter.

He leaves behind his wife, Kathy Riddick, also of Perquimans County; his children, Brooke Riddick Casper (Travis) of Clayton, Whitney Ryan (Chris) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Crystal Riddick Eure (Gavin) of Elizabeth City; six grandchildren, Haley and Hattie Casper, Hunter and Nathan Ryan, and Maci and Chloe Eure; his brothers, Stacey Riddick (Karen) and Ronnie Riddick, both of Hobbsville; nephews, Daniel and Davis Riddick; friends he considered like brothers, Ernest “Bootie” Cartwright and Robbie Whitehead; and Tiny, his faithful canine friend.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 27 at 2:00 p.m. in Sandy Cross Baptist Church and will be conducted by the Revs. M.R. White and Walter Johnston. A private burial will follow in the Riddick Family Cemetery.

Friends are invited to join the family Tuesday from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, in the church social hall immediately following the service on Wednesday, or all other times at Stacey and Karen’s home, 513 Sandy Cross Road, Hobbsville.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to: The Dream Hunt & Fishing Program, in care of Terry Boyce, 809 Westwood Drive, Elizabeth City, NC 27909.

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the staff of Albemarle Home Care & Hospice for the care and comfort provided to their loved one during his final days. James, Michael, Reekita, and Crystal, thank you for your care and patience.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.