The Shadow
James Tavender ”Tab” Fridley III
James Tavender ”Tab” Fridley III, age 60, of 1131 White Rock Gap Road, Covington, Virginia died on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at his residence.
Tab was born on October 17, 1965 in Alleghany County, Virginia to the late James Tavender “J.T.” Fridley, Jr. and Ellen Louise Campbell Fridley. A loving husband, father, papaw, friend, coworker, farmer and truck driver, Tab was a man loved by all who knew him. He was a faithful member of the White Rock Gap Community Church, where he was a superintendent and trustee. He loved the Lord and attending church on Sundays with his congregation. He enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren, taking them on tractor and four wheeler rides. His biggest hobby was farming and he is leaving his legacy to his sons, whom he cherished, to live on through him. He enjoyed hunting and being outdoors. He enjoyed listening to the Alleghany High School football game on the radio, and was an avid Dallas Cowboys football fan. He loved country music. His favorite song was “My Cajun Baby” and his favorite hymn was “In the Garden”. He was an active member of the Moose where he enjoyed dancing with his loving wife, Susan and hanging out with his Moose family and friends. He started his career at Moore’s as a truck driver and CDL Coordinator Instructor, then proceeded at the contractor yard as a truck driver. He got the opportunity to work with his oldest son, David Wayne until 2007, when S. J. Neathawk took over for the contractor yard. He continued his career at S. J. Neathawk for 18 years, where he became a part of the S. J. Neathawk family as a yard supervisor and truck driver.
He is survived by his loving wife Susan; two sons, David Wayne Tucker (Tammie) and James Fridley IV (Ashli); three loving grandchildren, Mila Everlee, John “J.T.” Tavender, and Charlotte “Charlie” Louise; his loving sister, Cathy Hoke (Billy) of Hollywood, WV; a special brother, James Tucker; two special loving uncles, Gordon ”Gordy” Fridley and Paul Fridley; two special loving cousins, Talmadge Broughman and Wallace Byer; special loving friends, Aaron Lane, Nancy Wallace, Donna Kemper, Dwayne Broughman, Bobby Harrison, Richard Fridley, Rick Rucker, and Joe Rumfelt. He had lots of friends that loved him as family. The memories he left with you will keep you smiling.
Tab would like memorial tributes to take the form of donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated. A time of visitation will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Nicely Funeral Home., Clifton Forge.
Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge is handling arrangements.
To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com
