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MSBC Media PlayerMedia Center
MSBCOC | In Remembrance
Deacon William S. Riddick, Sr.
February 8, 1920 - June 13, 2006
William S. Riddick,
Sr. (affectionately called "Duke") was born on February 8, 1920 in Suffolk,
Virginia. In early childhood he, along with his parents, Willie and Alice
Riddick and six other siblings relocated to Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. Riddick was
educated in the Baltimore City Public School System and went to work for Western
Electric Company following graduation from high school.
In 1939 he married Cleo Muldrow, also later ordained a deacon, and subsequently became the father of two children.
Mr. Riddick was drafted into the United Stated Navy in 1944 and served as an Aviation Machinist Mate until being honorably discharged. He then began employment with the Bethlehem Steel Company where he occupied various positions, including Galvanizing Inspector and Supervisor, before retiring in 1982.
He joined the Morning Star Baptist Church of Christ in 1957, under the leadership of the late Reverend Nathaniel H. Wicks. It soon became evident that he was a man who was worthy of respect, sincere, honest and holding to the deep truths of faith. Thus, in 1961 Mr. Riddick was ordained to the Deaconship. Following the death of Deacon Andrew Minnis, in 1983, Deacon Riddick was selected to chair the Board of Deacons. He maintained this office until his death. Deacon Riddick did not take this responsibility as Chairman of the Deacon Board lightly. He fully supported his church and its administration spiritually, morally and financially. He was a prayer warrior, missionary and evangelist who took delight in assisting individuals and families in need, visiting the sick, lending a helping a hand wherever he could and generally maintaining unity with his co-laborers in Christ. People all over the city knew Deacon Riddick as the man of Morning Star who could help you maintain a viable way of life.
Deacon Riddick was a member of the Finance Committee, Morning Star Child Care Center Board of Directors, Men's Ministry, Board of Christian Education and was the Missionary Society's advisor. He organized the Evangelistic Services outside of the church edifice and was instrumental in assuring the continuance of Vacation Church School.
Deacon Riddick loved God, his family, Pastor Ray and Morning Star. He was regular in church attendance, attentive to disbursements and receipts and strove to do all he could for the up building of God's Kingdom here on earth. We pay tribute to one who lived a busy, useful, unselfish life; never seeking ease or personal honor. His loyalty to the church was inspirational and we give thanks to God for Deacon Riddick's life among us.
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