Albert J. Riddle is a joyful man. At the center of his life is an inner peace

that comes from living the life modeled by Jesus – a life given for others.

Riddle is not a man who parades his own piety, though he speaks frequently

about the character of the God whom he worships and serves and the joy that comes from that relationship as he serves others.

Riddle, a native of Orrville and a graduate of Keith High School, studied at Tuskegee University and worked in a Ford Motor Co. stamping plant in Chicago for 31 years – 1960-1991. At retirement he returned to Five Points where he will turn 65 on May 15.

Riddle did not come home simply to retire, but in his words &uot;to give something back&uot; – to throw himself into good works that he believes were formed by God for him and given to him as a stewardship.

Riddle started with the American Heart Association and then worked with Red Cross.

He is best known in the community for extensive service rendered through the River Oaks Volunteer Fire Department of Orrville.

There he serves as training coordinator. He teaches CPR, AED (use of the defibrillator), safety and first aid. The courses are offered routinely to members of the volunteer fire department and also to citizens in the community in groups of six or more, as needed. He also responds to emergency calls along with other members of the River Oaks unit.

Riddle also supervises the training of new recruits in driving the trucks. The department has three – a brush truck, tanker and pumper.

He is a member of the Orrville community development association which is developing a variety of strategies to improve the community in all respects.

He is active in the local political scene and enjoys good personal and working relationships with area officeholders.

Riddle, a member of a Masonic Lodge AF & AM Scottish Rite of Alabama Inc., is a 33rd degree mason. He is a past master and district deputy grand master of the South Central District and belongs to Hiram Lodge #4 in Marion.

He is active in the Little Zion Baptist Church, where he serves as clerk and is studying to become a deacon.

He has two grown children, Albert Jr. and Andrea, and six grandchildren.

Riddle, despite his name, is no riddle. He has found the secret to true joy and contentment in life. Trusting in the Lord for all things, he has not a worry in the world. He takes Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount literally, not to have anxiety about anything.

Riddle is the picture of health – physical, mental, spiritual. Thankfully, he does not talk about it but rather exhibits it, which is the sign of true health.

Orrville/Five Points is truly fortunate that Albert J. Riddle came home. He’s a giver, not a taker and he is very positive about the area. &uot;There are green lights all over the place,&uot; he said.