Peter James Waddell, age 79, of Jacksonville, Arkansas passed away on May 4, 2024. He was born in Wheeling, West Virginia on January 21, 1945 to parents John William Waddell and Vera Clarissa (Hine) Waddell.
Pete, as he was known by, enlisted into the US Air Force, first as a mechanic, then went to school to become a Flight Engineer. He spent 27 years serving his country. He was a member of the Patriot Guard Riders where he served as a Ride Captain, State Captain, and the National Vice President over the members. He also was a member of ABATE (Arkansas Bikers Aiming toward Education) where he was State Chairman Chapter Vice President. He wrote the bill for Purple Heart motorcycle license plates, and he was given the first one printed: PH001. He was also a full member of the CVMA (Combat Vets Motorcycle Association) where he served as a Chapter Commander and Chapter XO.
Pete is preceded in death by his parents, John and Vera Waddell; his brother, John Waddell; and his son, Tony McCall.
Pete leaves behind his wife, Beverly Sue Waddell and dog, Tucker. He also leaves behind his children Kimberly (Dan) Plourde of NH, Peter (Denise) Waddell of NH, John Waddell of MA, and Amanda (Baldemar) Garza of TX. He leaves behind 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, along with a host of extended family and friends.
A family-hosted memorial service will be held to honor Pete’s life on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 11:00am at Indianhead Lake Baptist Church; 8601 Indianhead Drive, Sherwood, AR. His remains will be interred at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at 1:00pm; 1501 West Maryland Avenue, North Little Rock, AR.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
23 Comments
Loving friend for over 30+ years. Many roads, many many miles.
Fair winds, clear skies and Grace with our Heavenly Father
Blue skies and tailwinds my friend
I didn’t know Pete for a long time, but he was always very down to earth and kind. Love to his family and his CVMA family.
Pete was one of the sweetest men around. I never seen him treat anyone other than with kindness. Praying for all those that loved him. Keeping you in my prayers Bev.
You will truly be missed
Pete, we miss you already.. I’m so glad I got to know you.
Prayers for the family,Pete was a good man,Great Friend, and Brother
Pete I will miss you
Thanks Pete for service and your involvement with the motorcycle community. You will be missed my friend. Prayers of peace and comfort for your family.
Pete my dear friend as you ride the streets of gold and drive in luxury that you’ve been so endured that was so earned
know that you will be missed.You were, you are a wonderful friend.And a great, great person. You are irreplaceable
We all are going to miss you and it was so great to know you we all love you and you go and smile and ride high in the streets of gold you were a great person ❤️ we love you and we will miss you..
will miss you my friend
In 2000, I went to a state ABATE rally and asked for an ABATE District in South Arkansas…. The man behind the table looked at me with almost sarcastic amusement and a half grin long enough to make me fidget… and you handed that green as grass girl District 18. Over the years, no matter what I got into, protests or rights, or politics, you still gave me that look, but always had my back anyway. My patriotism died a little today, knowing an amazing freedom fighter like you is no longer on this earth. Thanks for all you taught me about rights work snd life in general… thanks for all the fights you fought…thanks for all the laughter… thanks for always watching over all of us… thank you for your service.. thank you for being my mentor and friend.
Thanks Pete for your service to our country and thank you for your service to the motorcycle community. I am thankful for the years that you were my friend and brother. Enjoy riding the streets of gold Pete, you will surely be missed. Praying for you Bev and all of the family.
Pete Waddell, the definition of patriot, son, father, leader and friend. I will miss him terribly.
I will miss you my friend… You are relieved, We have the watch.
I served with Pete in the Air Force. He was a great person and an outstanding First Sergeant. RIP my friend.
Beverly, I love you my sister in Christ! Pete always my birthday Twin! He will be greatly missed! I am here for you and always will be! He is resting in peace! Always playing a joke! But I know he loves you unconditionally! Precious aka Carol Willis
Pete., you will be missed, thanks for the memories, my dear friend!
Rest in Peace Pete. Thank you for the friendship, the laughs and the conversations. I’m a better person having known you.
Rest in Peace my friend.
Pete, I will miss you. Thank you for all you did for Bev. I know she will miss you and Tucker will too. I wish or hope you could see your funeral service. I learned things about you I didn’t know and it was so evident the impact you had on people’s lives. May you rest in eternal peace.
Pete was one of the most dynamic and energetic individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure to have known. We served together both here and overseas. We’ll miss him
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