Herbert Hoover Riley “Papa”, 95 years old, of Knightdale, NC, passed away on Monday, October 16, 2023, at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine, NC.
Born on July 14, 1928, in Durham, NC, he was the son of the late Henry and Pearl Riley. His family was blessed with a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Herbert retired from Square D Company, was a longtime member of Knightdale Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and served on various committees and was a retired member of the Knightdale Volunteer Fire Department. Herbert served his nation during the Korean War as a part of the United States Army.
Herbert is survived by his wife Beatrice Riley of 68 years; his two children, H. Ray Riley and his wife Katina of Travelers Rest, SC, and JoAnn Shuford and her husband David of Spruce Pine, NC. Also surviving are five grandchildren: Deidre Riley Thomas (Josh), Monica Riley Moss (Josh), Sean Riley (Amanda), Bryan Shuford (Melissa), and Adam Shuford (Kari); 10 great-grandchildren: Ruth Thomas, Charles Thomas, Ashton Moss, Addison Moss, Hudson Moss, Georgia Riley, Nolan Riley, Isaac Shuford, Abigail Shuford, and Colson Shuford.
In addition to his parents, Herbert was preceded in death by his twin brother Alfred Smith Riley, and brother Melvin Riley.
The funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, October 21 at L. Harold Poole Funeral Service & Crematory, 944 Old Knight Rd, Knightdale, NC. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00-2:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the New Knightdale Baptist Church Cemetery, 264 Mailman Rd, Knightdale, NC.
Memorial contributions may be made to Knightdale Baptist Church, Post Office Box 21, Knightdale, NC 27545.
Condolences to the family may be sent to poolefuneral.com under Tributes
