James Wallace Riddick,

JAMES WALLACE "WALLY" RIDDICK, JR., 73, passed away Saturday, August 4, 2012, at his home in Bellville after a courageous battle with cancer. Wally was born January 3, 1939, in Hobbsville, Gates County, North Carolina. The son of James Wallace, Sr. and Earcle Byrum Riddick, he grew up and attended school in Hobbsville, graduating from Sunbury High School. He then earned his Associate's Degree from Chowan University in Murfreesboro, North Carolina. Wally was employed at J.C. Penney's in Elizabeth City, North Carolina and Hayes International before moving to Corpus Christi, Texas in 1971 where he worked on offshore drilling platforms. He lived in Katy from 1975 - 1983, before he moved to Magnolia. It was here that he met the love of life, Debbie Ann Rust, and swept her off her feet on the dance floor. On May 27, 1988, he and Debbie were married in Magnolia. In 1990, they moved to Bellville where they have made their home ever since. Wally was employed at Elliott Co. in Houston before going to work for Stewart and Stevenson in Sealy. He retired in April 2004. Wally was a wonderful son, brother, husband, father, grandpa, uncle and friend. He was loved by many and will be missed by all. He always had a smile and a joke to share if you had a minute. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed gardening and yardwork, but his passions were hunting, fishing and camping. Wally dearly loved his family and treasured the moments he was able to spend with them. He is survived by his BELOVED WIFE: Debbie Riddick of Bellville; DAUGHTERS: Angela Jennette McVady and her husband, Billy of Baytown, Shanna-Ray Comer and her husband, Jeremy of Magnolia, Letha Marie Ashley and her husband, Chris, also of Magnolia, Betty Michelle Shaw and her husband, John of Baytown, and Teresa Shook and her husband, William of Greenville, NC; and GRANDCHILDREN: Jackson, Caleb, Steven, Alysa, Jessica, Tommy, Joey, Peyton, Megan, Madison, Brittney and Courtney. Wally also leaves behind his BROTHER: Walter Raye Riddick of Chesapeake, VA; SISTERS: Shirley Marie Evans of Suffolk, VA and Carolyn Faye Pearce and her husband, Arthur of Chesapeake, VA; and numerous other relatives and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Elizabeth Hope Elkins, brother-in-law McKoy Evans and grandson Brandon Cooper.