From Shannon Riddle

Rhett,

I remember the day we met.  I had just arrived at the park for the BBQ.  As I approached, you walked up to me, introduced yourself, and asked if I was willing to drive you to the store for more supplies.  It didn’t make sense to leave when I hadn’t even been there for five minutes, let alone with a stranger who insisted that I drive their truck.  But that single event was the beginning of our friendship.

If I had to describe you to someone who didn’t know you know, I would say “impassioned.”  Everything was approached whole-heartedly and with excitement.  I’ve never seen someone so invested in everything they do.  We can start with your hobbies, and there were a lot of them (billiards, fishing, bowling, golf, RC helicopters, etc).  On top of that was your love of food.  The way you would speak about food and the lengths you would go for food is rivaled by few.

Above these things, your passion for people stands out the most.  There’s the way you were able to interact with everyone and make them feel included.  Numerous times I’ve seen you go out of your way to help people become successful professionally.  The love for your family that I witnessed firsthand.  Then there are the conversations you had with me.

I cannot properly express what they meant.  I just want you to know that did not fall upon deaf ears.  It is easy to say the words.  It is another thing to be a living example.

Your friend,

Shannon