Calvin Warren Riley

Mr. Calvin Warren Riley, 88, left this earthly life to receive his forever, eternal reward in Heaven on November 29, 2021. He was the only child of David Elias and JoAnna Van Larr Riley and was born and raised in Thomasville, NC. His mother born in Holland, had a gentle nature and attitude of happiness and kindness in life, and Calvin exemplified these same traits. He graduated from Pilot High School, Now East Davidson High School. His work career spanned over 45 years, first working with his dad, a renowned brick mason and carpenter, then in the Thomasville Furniture business and lastly, North State Communications. Calvin was a jack-of-all trades as carpenter, electrician, mechanical and electronics guru. At a very young age, he once tore his mother’s favorite clock apart trying to figure out what made it work. He was proud to serve in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict, March 1953 to 1957, serving in Tokyo, Taiwan and Japan fallowing training at Westover Air Force Base in Springfield Massachusetts. He was awarded Medals for his National Defense Service, Korean Service, Good Conduct, United Nations Service, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards during his four years of service. His Air Force training in telecommunications prepared him for his career job at North State Communications in High Point following his honorable discharge. He retired from North State as Supervisor of installations with over forty years of service. Calvin was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Stanleyville of which he was fully engaged in service of the Sanctuary Choir, Harmonizers Group, the Hand Bell Choir and a member of the Adventurers Sunday School Class. He is preceded in death by his parents and only son, Phillip Warren Riley. He is Survived by his wife of 41 years; Faye Ellison Riley, Stepdaughter; Amber Ellison Flunker (Gerry), stepson; Brent Ellison (Pam). step-grandkids; Taylor, Landon and Anna Gammons, and Kayla, Jonathan, and Joseph Ellison, and his step great-grandkid; Caleb Gray Gammons. A funeral service will be conducted 11:00 AM Thursday December 2, 2021 at First Baptist Church of Stanleyville with Pastor Eddie Honeycutt and Pastor Jon White officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00-10:45 AM prior to the service. Entombment will immediately follow at Gardens of Memory Walkertown.