Obituary of Edgar David Riley

Hillsborough - Rev. Edgar David Riley of 518 Terrell Road, Hillsborough, N.C., passed away suddenly on Friday afternoon, April 12th, 2013, at UNC Hospitals, Chapel Hill, N.C. A beloved son, brother, husband, father and friend; he will be greatly missed by many. David was born on January 19th, 1952, in Durham, N.C. to the late William Edgar "Ed" and Minnie Lee Crabtree Riley. He was a lifelong resident of Hillsborough. He graduated from Orange High School and received his associate degree from the Art Instruction School in Minneapolis, Minn. He worked as an award winning graphic artist for the Chapel Hill Newspaper for over twenty-five years before attending and graduating from the Southeastern Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C. in 1996. David served as pastor for churches in North Carolina and Virginia and was a devoted Christian his entire life. Most recently, he was employed at Brookdale Senior Living in Chapel Hill, N.C., as a driver. As a minister, he spread his strong belief in the message of God's word and faith in the Lord our Savior to all those in his congregation and community. He knew that with love and faith all was possible. His huge heart and desire to serve others imlplored him to do for others, and to be much more than a driver at Brookdale. He taught the residents art classes and built bird houses with them. He imparted his vast knowledge of Orange and Durham Counties through his weekly "scenic bus tours". He was "Chief" to all Brookdale residents. Dave was always ready to lend a helping hand or be an active listener in need. As evident by his most extensive book collection, David was a veracious reader. He was an ardent Carolina sports fan (we always knew where to find him during March Madness week). He was a firm believer in passing on life's lessons to people of all ages. Family was an extremely important part of David's life. David married the love of his life, Susan Moore, on December 4, 1982. He was a devoted and compassionate husband and father to his family. He is survived by his wife, Susan Moore Riley; his daughter, Katherine "Beth" Riley, his son, Matthew Riley, Matthew's finance, Jessica Thompson and their daughters, Danika Mcintosh and April Fast; two sisters, Faye Shelton of Durham, N.C., and Phyllis Privette of Hillsborough, N.C.; four nephews, five nieces, nine grand nieces and nephews; and countless loving friends. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Wendy Riley and Patsy Andrews. The family will receive friends at Walker's Funeral Home, Hillsborough, N.C., on Tuesday, April 16th, at 5:30 p.m. followed by a service at 6:30 p.m. conducted by Pastor Bobby Tate. Graveside services will be held Saturday, April 20th in Carson Community Cemetery with arrangements handled by Bryant Funeral Home in Franklin, N.C The family requests donations be made in his name to the American Heart Association or the Myasthinia Gravis Association. www.walkersfuneralservice.com