Dr. David Henry Reilly, III

Dr. David Henry Reilly III, Ed.D., ABPP, age 86, of Bermuda Run, NC passed away on Friday morning, June 23^rd at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC after a brief illness. He was surrounded by Jean, beloved wife of 63 years, two loving sons and daughter. 

His journey through this life began on November 7, 1936. Along the way he demonstrated an incredible balance between being a devoted husband, father and professional. He leaves behind a legacy of professional accolades and achievements throughout a stellar and purpose-filled career. David was a member of Clemmons Presbyterian Church and a resident of Bermuda Village Retirement Community.

David was the only child of the late David Henry Reilly, Jr., and Ethel Alt Reilly.  Born in Paterson, NJ, he graduated from Eastern Christian Academy in Prospect Park, NJ and the University of Vermont. While at UVM, David joined the US Marine Corps and served a six-year commitment in the Reserves. There he also met Jean, the love of his life. They married in 1960. After earning his masters and doctorate degrees from Rutgers University, he embarked on a career in education and psychology.  David began his professional life at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1965 as the chairman of its School Psychology Department.  In 1974 he became Dean of the School of Education at the University of North Carolina Greensboro where he retired as a professor in 1992.  He spent the next 10 years at The Citadel in Charleston, S.C., as the Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies before fully retiring from professional life. 

David’s career highlights included numerous chairmanships and presidencies at the state and national level. He served as president of the North Carolina Psychology Association, the North Carolina School Psychology Association and as an executive committee member of the American Psychological Association.  He was a two-time Senior Fulbright Scholar; first in the Republic of Cyprus (1986) and then in the Republic of Georgia (1990).  Throughout his career, David authored and co-authored many professional articles and books.  He passionately conducted research and continued to learn and write for the remainder of his life.

Although he committed his career to education and psychology, David/Skip/Dad/Daddy/Papa/Big Papa committed his life to his family. He was a hero to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Above all, he was devoted to Jean and the life they enjoyed into a seventh decade. Whether participating in YMCA programs, Cub Scouts or coaching numerous sports, David actively supported his children’s interests and rarely missed a game, recital or swim meet.  The memories of countless fishing trips, white water rafting adventures, camping experiences and family vacations will be cherished (and the source of many laughs) for a long time to come. 

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his daughters, Elizabeth Ann Reilly and Margaret Lynn Reilly, his grandson, Matthew Scott Reilly and his step-granddaughter, Isabella Katherine Zaliagiris.  He is survived by his wife Jean, son Scott (Beth) of Conover, NC, son Chris (Holly) of Oak Ridge, NC, daughter Sandra Logan (Charlie) of Waxhaw, NC, nine grandchildren and step grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Bermuda Village Retirement Community, 142 Bermuda Village Drive in Bermuda Run.  In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made in David’s memory to the family’s “Ethel and David Reilly Scholarship Fund” at UNCG.  (336)334-9817 or https://go.uncg.edu/reillyscholarship