Rev. Paul Riddle, 97, passed away on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, in Spartanburg, SC. He was a native of Madison County and the son of the late Grant and Fannie Whaley Riddle. In addition to his parents, Paul is preceded in death by his wife, Ida Mae Ponder Riddle, a daughter, Karen Long, and three sisters and three brothers.

Paul served as a Baptist preacher for over 65 years in several churches in Madison and Buncombe counties.

He is survived by a daughter, Sharon Long (Gene), grandchildren, Bobby Long, Christy Long, Jennifer Newell, and April Fisher; and great grandchildren, Kyson Long, Shalee Newell, and Zachry Bradshaw.

A funeral service will be held at 2pm Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral & Cremation Service, Mars Hill, NC. Reverends Robbie Fleming and Kellen Griffin will officiate. Burial will follow in Locust Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org