John Duncan Rivenbark, Sr., 91, passed away from complications related to pneumonia and declining health on July 20, 2011 at the Indian Path Medical Center in Kingsport, Tennessee, with his daughter at his side.

He was born in Pender County on September 23, 1919, the only son of John Washington Rivenbark and Daisy Murray Rivenbark. He resided on the Murray Town Road until June 2008 when he moved to Virginia to live with his daughter. He has been a resident of the Brian Health and Rehabilitation Center in Weber City, Virginia since February 2009.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 62 years, Ethel Bowden Rivenbark (2006); and his son, John Duncan Rivenbark, Jr. (2004). Also preceding him in death were three sisters, Mary Jane Powell, Gladys Ducy, and Dora Frances Lewis.

Left behind to cherish memories of a devoted father, father-in-law, granddaddy, and great granddaddy are his daughter, Patricia R. Whitley and husband D. H. of Gate City, Virginia; Granddaddy's "Buddy", Doctor Hiram Whitley, IV (Whit) of San Diego, California; granddaughters, Amanda Whitley of Weber City, Virginia, Krista Strickland and husband, Kevin of Burgaw, North Carolina, and Jennifer Cobb and husband Eric of Denver, North Carolina; five great grandchildren, Bradley Davis and Zak Davis of Weber City, Virginia, Gracyn Strickland of Burgaw, North Carolina, and Leighton Cobb and Harrison Cobb of Denver, North Carolina as well as several nieces and nephews.

John Duncan loved his family, friends, and church. His favorite and only hobby was hard work. He worked side by side with his only son, John, in their landscaping and septic tank business until January 2004. He attended Six Forks Chapel, Hopewell Presbyterian Church, and was a member of the Burgaw Presbyterian Church.

The family will receive friends at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home in Burgaw from 6 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 29, 2011.

The service will be conducted by the Reverend Kenneth Pierce and the Reverend Dr. Ray Mendenhall at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2011 at Burgaw Presbyterian Church. Special music will be provided by Krista Strickland and Reverend Kenneth Pierce. The burial will follow at Riverview Memorial Park. Casketbearers will be D.H. Whitley, Whit Whitley, Grover Henry, Leamon Brown, Ray Russ and Joey Hutcheson.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Burgaw Presbyterian Church, PO Box 565, Burgaw, NC 28425 or to Holston View United Methodist Church, 174 Church Street, Weber City, VA 24290.

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