Obituary

ROCKY MOUNT – Samuel Wheeler Briley, Jr. “Buck”, age 79, passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in Greenville, NC. Buck was born in Bethel, NC to the late Ethel Whitaker Briley and Samuel Wheeler Briley, Sr. Buck is also preceded in death by his sisters, Jean Lewis, and Lorene McDowell, brothers, Jerry Briley, and Robert Briley.

Buck is survived by his loving wife Charlotte Bowden Briley, of 48 years and daughter Susan. He is also survived by his brothers James Briley, Clayton Briley (Asenath), and sisters, Iris Taylor (Jim), Betty Lou Pittman (Earl) as well as many nieces and nephews.

Buck graduated from North Edgecombe High School in 1964 and later enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served for four years. During his time in the service, he received the National Defense Services Medal, Small Arms Excellent Marksmanship Ribbon, and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal. He graduated from Nash Technical Institute in September of 1979 where he acquired his degree of associate in applied science in Real Estate. He worked as a Railroad Engineer for CSX Transportation until his retirement. Buck was a man of many interests and talents. He had a passion for flying and even built and operated his own airplane. He was a member of the local chapter of the EAA in Wilson, NC for several years. He enjoyed woodworking and building all types of things in his workshop, fishing, and working in his garden year after year. He and Charlotte enjoyed working in the yard together and always had the most beautiful flowers, especially peonies. Buck had a deep love for family and always looked forward to hosting the Briley Family reunion at his home for over 30 years. Buck and Charlotte Have been long-time members of Shenandoah Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, NC. Buck always participated in Men’s Workdays at the church when he was able and helped to build several wheelchair ramps for the sick and injured. Buck will most be remembered by his caring, generous heart and his ever-active sense of humor. He loved to laugh and enjoyed making others smile. He drove a van for the Department of Veterans Affairs for over ten years, providing free transportation to veterans for their VA appointments. He faithfully kept in touch with friends and family and would do anything he could to help absolutely anybody. He had recently begun volunteering at the “A Touch of the Father’s Love” food bank in Momeyer.

Flowers are welcome or donations may be made to the “Free Will Baptist Children’s Home’ at PO Box 249, Middlesex, NC 27557, an organization that Buck supported and was dear to his heart.

A Funeral Service to honor his life will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 661 English Road in Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Visitation with the family from 1:00PM till 1:45PM at Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Burial will follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park, 4454 Dortches Blvd. Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.