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BORN
1936
DIED
2024
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J. Rivers Obituary
September 9, 1936 -
November 23, 2024
DRYDEN, VA - Neil, the son of Virgie Lee (Cox) Rivers and Earl Rivers, was born on September 9, 1936 in Dryden, Virginia.
He graduated Salutatorian from Dryden High School in 1955, and attended Lincoln Memorial University for two years before volunteering for the US Army (FR 13-616-387). He served in the Pentagon and in Paris, France as a Cryptologist in the Intelligence Service. After discharge from the Army, he worked an additional 35 years for the Department of Veterans Affairs and retired in Austin, Texas in 1994.
In 1993 at a Dryden High School reunion in Duffield, Virginia, he re-met an old classmate (Carol Bowling) and dated her (long distance from Texas) for two years. On April 22, 1995, the two were married at a beautiful chapel in Gatlinburg, TN. They built a log house in what is known as Wallen's Creek between Jonesville and Stickleyville in Lee County, Virginia. They tended to 50-100 head of cattle and their offspring.
From his youth forward, Neil's devotion to benevolent causes and Church work became increasingly evident over the years, and he was seen by all as a loyal and loving friend.
Preceded in death by his parents, Virgie and Earl Rivers; wife, Carol B. Rivers; brothers, Earl F., Buford and Glen; sisters, Doris Clark, Pauline Ward, Velma Dobbins, Ila Mertens.
He is survived by his son, Gary and wife Bobbi of Indianapolis, IN; sisters, Earletta Huff of Hickory, NC, Shirley Shuler of Dryden, VA; brothers, Gaye (Juanita) of Blountville, TN, Colin (Deloris) of Kingsport, TN and James "Jim" of Abingdon, VA.
He was active in all activities at The Blake, his residence, and was loved by all who came in contact with him.
Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 PM Tuesday (November 26, 2024) at Sturgill Funeral Home in Pennington Gap, VA with funeral services to follow at 7:00 PM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Fred Cagle officiating.
Committal services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday (November 27, 2024) at Powell Valley Cemetery in Dryden, VA.
Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery for the committal service.
Online condolences may be sent at www.sturgillfuneralhome.com
Sturgill Funeral Home of Pennington Gap is honored to serve the family of Neil Rivers.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Mullins-Sturgill Funeral Home - Pennington Gap298 Harrell Street, Pennington Gap, VA 24277
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