John Riddle Sr., owner and president of Riddle & Associates, a trade show management company, passed away peacefully in his home on February 13, 2026. He was 85.
Riddle’s Atlanta-based company produced the Clean Show, a tradeshow in the laundry and drycleaning industry prior to the show’s acquisition by Meese Frankfurt.
Born to William Homer Riddle and Fannie Johnson Riddle in North Carolina, Riddle is predeceased by his wife, his parents, his brothers Buck and Bill Riddle; and his sister Betty Riddle Daniels.
Riddle began his career as a professional baseball player in the Baltimore Orioles Organization. He then took a position with the Atlanta Braves as Operations Director, followed by the Director of Ticket Sales. In the mid-70’s Riddle served as General Manager for the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau. A leader in the trade show industry, Riddle served as floor manager for some of the largest trade shows in the country including the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM).
“I’ve known John for over 30 years. The Clean Show would never have been the same without his leadership,” said Ken Tyler, Sr. Laundry Industry Consultant. “He was a friend for life, one I loved like a brother. We shared a love for North Carolina, beach music and baseball and was with me when I met my wife, Carol. He was one of a kind.”
John will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 8th 2026 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the H. M. Patterson & Son-Oglethorpe Hill Chapel (4550 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30319). A reception will be held on Sunday, March 8th 2026 at 3:00 PM at the same location.
Image above: John Riddle receiving an award from Chicago Dryer for outstanding service to the industry. (Left) Caroly Tyler, Chicago Dryer (C) John Riddle, (R) Ken Tyler
