Tommy Lee Ridling

Nascar lost one of its biggest fans on May 31, 2018. Tommy Lee Ridling passed on from this life peacefully surrounded by his family. We are blessed to have learned many valuable lessons during his 77 years, among them: let a dog or two (or three) share your recliner, eat at least one Honey Bun a day, and enjoy long "sits" on the porch with a (small) dog in your lap. Most importantly we learned to work hard, live within your means, always help someone when you can, take pride in a job well done, and love deeply and compassionately. Tommy worked hard throughout his life to support his family, always giving a stellar example of his passion to love others. Tommy was a master craftsman. He could build or fix anything, including turning his sons old bedroom into a "train room", as we call it. Complete with an entire town surrounded by a fully functional locomotive track with bridges, tunnels, and all the bells and whistles. It was truly a work of art. Alongside his crafting skills, he was truly of a master of joke telling. If you weren't fortunate enough to hear one of his stories, you missed out. He loved watching old westerns. Marshall Matt Dillon and Ben Cartwright were just some of his TV heroes. But Tommy was the hero for his kids, Mark, Lisa, and Krissy. His sweet spirit is carried on through his children, Mark Ridling of Benton, Lisa Baker (Don) of Mabelvale, Kristina Chaney of Bryant, his adoring grandchildren, Kasey Grimmett (Dustin) of Benton, Cody Lee Ridling of Benton, Tyler Ridling (Katie) of Benton, Kyla Baker of Mabelvale, and Piper Chaney of Bryant. And by his two great-grandchildren, Conner Lee Ridling and Aylee Grace Ridling (born June 1, 2018). Tommy is survived by his loving wife, Margie of 12 years. Margie cared for Tommy like no one else could, going above and beyond what anyone could imagine, Tommy is preceded in death by his parents, Louis D. and Bessie Lee Ridling, his sister Vicki Jarrett and his first wife of 38 years, Sue Ridling. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, June 6th, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Pinecrest Memorial Park. www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.