Gregory Thomas Briley, 62 of Ocean Isle Beach, NC, passed away unexpectedly on December 24, 2022, in Anderson, SC while helping coordinate the restoration of power to families in advance of Christmas Day.
Born on April 24, 1960, in Fayetteville, NC to Geraldine White Briley (Nana) and the late Thomas Watson Briley (Papa Tom), Greg lived his life through his faith in our God and Jesus Christ who was his Lord and Savior. This was evident to all who knew his character. In addition to being the model for integrity, he was a selfless man who had a huge heart and walked with a contagious spirit. Known for being funny, gentle and caring, he was a people person who never met a stranger.
Greg served as both a Deacon and RA leader at Aberdeen First Baptist Church and both a Deacon and youth leader at Whiteville First Baptist Church. In addition, he served his communities in multiple ways, engaged as a long-time member of the Lions Club and was a baseball coach for hundreds of kids in both Southern Pines, NC and Whiteville, NC.
Greg worked for over 41 years at CP&L, Progress Energy and Duke Energy doing the job he loved. The safety of others was paramount and the respect he had for his coworkers was felt by all. Throughout his life and career, his dedication to service was what made him a role model of a hardworking, Christian man to his wife, two sons and friends. He thoroughly enjoyed hunting, salt and freshwater fishing, kayaking, golfing and baseball. However, nothing brought him as much joy as his family, especially his five precious grandchildren and their mommies’ who he cherished so much. He loved the camaraderie and every minute spent together at our family Pondo Hunt Club in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Stuart, VA.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 41 years, Donna Rakes Briley; two sons, Brian Thomas Briley (Allison) and Duncan James Briley (Michele); one brother, Jeffrey Watson Briley; five grandchildren, Elijah Thomas Briley, Hunter James Briley, Lily Kate Briley, Cayden James Briley and Lexie Claire Briley; also survived by many other loving family members and dear friends.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 29, 2022, from 6:00PM-8:00PM at Boles Funeral Home in Southern Pines, NC. A second visitation will be held on Friday, December 30, 2022, from 12:00PM-2:00PM at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart, VA with a service following at 2:00PM. Burial will be near loved ones at Patrick Memorial Gardens, Inc., Stuart, VA.
The family requests those who were blessed by Greg’s life to pay it forward by performing an act of kindness in the world. Also, the family requests any flower arrangements be sent to Moody Funeral Home 202 W. Blue Ridge Street, Stuart, VA 24171. Online condolences may be left at: www.bolesfuneralhome.com (http://www.bolesfuneralhome.com/)
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines and Moody Funeral Home of Stuart.
