John Hollis Riley, Jr.
May 25, 1947 ~ May 16, 2018
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ROCKY MOUNT - John Hollis Riley, Jr., age 70, passed away on Wednesday, May 16, 2018. Born in Edgecombe County, NC on May 25, 1947, he was the son of the late John Hollis Riley, Sr. and Emily Lois Davis. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Brenda Davis Riley.
John was a veteran of the United States Army Reserve, retiring following 20 years of dedicated service. Unhindered in his ability to work, he immediately following high school began working for Carolina Telephone Company as a field supervisor. In addition, he would also work night shifts for Carolina Freight Company loading and unloading trucks. John would later retire as a customer service manager from Carolina Telephone after 37 years of loyal service. A man of great faith, he first was a member at Southside Baptist Church and later in life became a member at Sharpsburg Baptist Church. John was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt, fish, and together with his family made many lasting memories camping at Kerr Lake. With his love and dedication to his family, John worked hard to play hard.
John leaves behind to cherish his memory, son, Wayne Riley and wife, Sharon, of Elm City; and his grandchildren, Kerstan Riley and Lindsey Riley. He is also survived by his brother, Jeff Riley of Sanford; his sister-in-law Linda Gail Booth; his brothers-in-law, Jimmy and Doug Davis; and his special friend, Nancy Rackley.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Pastor Glen Moore officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.
The Family would like to especially thank Linda Gail Booth and her husband Tommy, J.D. Powell, Jimmy Nelms, Philip Etheridge, Frank Lancaster, as well as his many close friends for their love, dedication, support for John through the past few years.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Saturday 5/19, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Visitation with the family will be from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.
Service
Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home
1130 N. Winstead Avenue
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Saturday 5/19, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Pastor Glen Moore officiating.
Cemetery
Rocky Mount Memorial Park
4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Saturday 5/19, 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Sorry to hear about ur dad Wayne i lost my dad 2 years ago and its been difficult will be holding your family up in prayer!!!!!!
Wayne and Sharon we are praying for you at this time so sorry for your loss deepest sympathies Janet DJ and Tanner hanaway
He helped make a tremendous impact on my life as to how a man, husband, father should be. The memories made all the years camping at Kerr Lake will forever be cherished. I loved John and Brenda. God bless Wayne and the family during this time.
Wayne, we are so sorry for your loss! We will continue praying for you and Sharon and the rest of your family and friends during this difficult time. John 1125 Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,
Wayne, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Prayer lifted for you and all of your family.
So sorry to hear that my dear childhood friend has passed. We grew up in the same neighborhood and enjoyed great times together. I will always have fond memories of Hollis. To tell the truth, I always had a crush on him. He was so handsome and sweet. Loved his parents too
Praying for all the family. I served In the 171st Support Group USAR and got to know John through his dear friend Frank Lancaster. During the past few years I enjoyed fellowship with him at our monthly luncheons. May our Lord bring comfort and help in these days!
So very sorry to hear of John’s passing. I knew John many years and he was a great person to work with. I am so very happy John is in Heaven and totally whole now. God bless you Riley family. Much love, Stella & Luther Ipock
Wayne I’m so sorry to hear about the death of your Dad. You and your family are in my prayers
Wayne and Sharon and Nancy,I am so sorry to learn that John passed away.He and my husband,Billy Hardee,served in the Army Reserve together for many years.I lost Billy in April.I am sure they have reunited in Heaven.They are whole again with no pain and suffering and I am sure we will see them again one day.May God hold and comfort you in your time of sorrow. Wilma Hardee,Wilmington NC
It is with great sorrow that I learned of John’s death. We served many years together in the US Army. He was a very hard working and dependable comrade. He suffered bad health in the past several years but continued to keep in contact with his former brothers-in-arms. He will be missed by all of us. Too many have died too young. My condolences to the family and friends. Charlie Smith
I had the pleasure of knowing John Riley through working at the telephone company. I worked with him on the 4-TEL Maintenance System when he was a supervisor in the Service Center in Rocky Mount and I was a network switching technician. John was what most would call a fine southern gentleman. He was always very polite, neat, and easygoing. I never heard him say an unkind word about anyone. Even after his health failed him, and in a wheelchair, he still had a smile on his face and a great outlook on life. I even got to see him when he was at Hunter Hill Nursing Center when my Mama was out there before she passed away. He was always the same old John. May he be at peace and resting on the wings of beautiful angels today.