John H Riley Jr.

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.