Virgil Riddle

Virgil Riddle, father, grandfather, coach, educator and friend, 67, died Monday, January 4, 2021, Altamonte Springs, FL. His family announced his passing.
“Virg” was born Virgil Lee Riddle on May 12, 1953 (‘54 if you asked him) in Orlando, to his father Elzie Riddle and mother Margarett. He graduated from Evans High School in 1971. He then graduated from Grand Valley State University in 1977 with a degree in Physical Education and a minor in History. He was a four year letterman as a Linebacker for the GVSU football team. He later completed a Masters of Public Administration from Nova Southeastern University. Coach Riddle served for over 30 years at Apopka Jr./Middle/High Schools. He functioned for a time as a Dean at Apopka Junior High but he is most notably remembered as a beloved coach and teacher. He was a committed leader as the Apopka High School girl’s softball head coach and as an assistant football coach. His softball teams perennially made it to the playoffs, including a final four appearance and those football teams enjoyed similar success. Coach Riddle made many lifelong friends, both students and peers, during this tenure at Apopka schools and he was deeply proud of the many students and athletes he influenced who went on to compete in college athletics and in life. Virg was a high-level, competitive softball player for most of his adult life, where he again met so many of his friends. His teams competed in and won National and World tournaments. He would later in life enjoy riding his Harley and many new adventures and countless more friends because of it. As a Christian his final spiritual home was Northland Church where he recommitted his life to his faith and again found so many friends. The common theme in Virg’s life is found on the infinite list of people whom he knew and so many he considered friends. Many will tell you Virg never met a stranger but more than that, “...he knew everybody, loved most and gave pretty much everything he had to others if he thought it would help...”
He is survived by his many, countless friends, his children: daughter Corrie, daughter Kaala and son-in-law Jamie, son Jamie and their families including his five beautiful grandchildren. His brother Edward Riddle passed away in 2015.
A viewing will be hosted January 16, 10:00 to 11:45 am followed by a 12:00 graveside service at Highland Funeral Home and Memory Gardens, 3329 East Semoran Blvd, Apopka, FL. “Celebrate Virg”, an informal gathering will follow the service at Wekiva Island.