Russell Wesley Riddick

Russell Wesley Riddick, III affectionately known as “Wes” or “Cool Breeze”, transitioned from life here on Earth September 20, 2023. He lived a digital life in an analog world and was a ray of originality and independence in an often copycat and constrained world.

Wes, was born June 17, 1978 and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia the eldest of two children born to his father Russell and mother Edith. He was a quiet, introspective, and artistic child, well known and loved for his gentle nature, creative talent, and deliberate demeanor. Even as a young child he often displayed his balanced, calm, and collective nature. He was never rushed, seldom hurried, and handled every situation with an even keel that as he grew earned him the moniker of “Cool Breeze”.

He was a vastly intelligent individual, who excelled intellectually in the Portsmouth Public Schools system, earning an Honors Diploma from I. C. Norcom High School in 1996. While attending Norcom, he was a member of the Versatile 100 Marching Band where he played the saxophone. His love for music and his extraordinary talent as an artist inspired him to continue his educational journey to Tennessee State University, where he studied engineering.

As a man, Russell was conscious to not only live life but find a way to enjoy it fully. He not only enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, but he was also intentional in spreading the joy he found in life with others. He had a deep and passionate love for hip-hop music, especially the offerings of the 1990’s, which he opined on with the knowledge and fluency of a doctored professor and frequently shared the music with those he loved. He was a connoisseur of libations and fine dining and an utmost authority on comics and comic book culture. He was a man who took life seriously but still lived it with a childlike wonder.

Of his many accomplishments, accolades, and achievements the area of life most dear to Wes was that of a family man. He had close tight-knight bonds with many of his family members and cherished them all. While he relished the role of being a legacy carrying son, a loving brother, devoted husband, dedicated cousin, uncle, and friend his light shined the brightest when seen through the prism of him being an AMAZING father to his daughter.

His unwavering devotion to his daughter Daya, was seen daily. His unmatched love to the “Mini-Boss” was not only heard through his words but seen through his actions. He was a shining example of what a father’s love is and the time he shared with her will be an enduring force in her life to come. He was the Gold Standard of Fatherhood, and his presence will forever remain.

Russell leaves behind a legacy of love and will be cherished by all that knew him. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents Russell and Priscilla Riddick, his maternal grandparents Edward and Dorothy Cummings, and his mother Edith Cummings and his son Ommar.  Continuing to cherish his memory are his wife Shaunna, his daughter Daya, his father Russsell Riddick, Jr. (Regina), his sisters Marlena Id-deen (Ab) and Ayana Riddick and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.