Donald W. Riedel Jr.

Donald Wayne Riedel, Jr., 84, of Moncks Corner SC, passed away peacefully into eternity Saturday morning, December 18, 2021 at his home.

Don was born August 26, 1937 in Pittsburgh, PA to Donald Wayne Sr. and Dorothy (Snodgrass) Riedel. His mother called him "Donny Wayne". He was the oldest of their six children.  Don joined the U.S. Navy at age 17 where he earned his GED and served on the USS Miles C. Fox as a Boiler Tender.

On February 14th, 1959 Don married the love of his life, Donna Jean Ruck who preceded him in death in 1993. After Donna's death he moved from FL to PA to take care of his mother until her death. Don then moved to SC to be near his family in 2005. 

Don and Donna are survived by their only son, Jeffrey A. Riedel and his wife Rita (Dawson) of Moncks Corner, SC. Don was "Pap" to his grandchildren, Donald Wayne lll (April) of Bonneau, SC, Anna (Todd) Esakov of Mount Pleasant, SC, and Amy (Doug) Reichley of Moncks Corner, SC. He was "Pap Pap" to his great-grandchildren,  Austin and Luke Esakov, Dorvensky, Grayson, and his "Sweetie",  Avery Reichley. Also preceding him in death are his brothers, David Riedel and Dave's wife, Nancy, and Ralph Riedel. He is survived by his Aunt Emma Knepper of California, his only sister, Arlene (George) Huber, and two brothers, Bill (Pat) Riedel, Bob (Cindy) Riedel, and Ralph's wife, Laura Riedel. "Uncle Don" was loved by many cousins, nieces and nephews, and their families. 

Don's life was full of adventures and challenges but he always found time to golf and fish. Don was an avid golfer and made friends on the course wherever he played, including OH, FL, PA & SC.  After serving his country in the U.S. Navy, he worked at Stacks Nursery and drove for the Yellow Cab Company in Pittsburgh until he went to work for Ryan Homes in Wampum, PA in 1964. He later transferred to Jamestown, OH, Painesville, OH, Madison, FL, and Plant City, FL where he retired in 1992.

His favorite place was the Waffle House in Moncks Corner, SC where he was a "Certified Regular Team Member" where it is believed he owned stock. He said, "I hope there is a Waffle House in Heaven". The employees there were special to him and treated him as family. Pap was baptized at age 70 and now dwells in the Great Mansion with our Lord and Saviour. He was a member of the Macedonia Christian Church in Bonneau, SC where he will be remembered fondly. 

There will be no services per his request. His immediate family met in his home the morning of his death and will have a private time of remembrance in the near future. Special thanks to Roper Hospital Hospice of Charleston, SC and Russell Funeral Chapel of Moncks Corner, SC.

In lieu of flowers, feel free to contribute to Haitian Christian Projects, 808 Ophir St, #7, Moncks Corner, SC 29461.

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