Truman Gray Riles

Truman Gray Riles, 21 of Morganton went home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 6, 2018.  Born in Burke County on August 27, 1996, he was the son of Rodney Jerome Riles and Crystal Pearson Riles of Morganton.  Truman was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and also attended Bethlehem Baptist Church.  He was a loving son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. Truman enjoyed hunting, fishing, horseback riding, target shooting, skateboarding, drawing, and mostly just hanging out with his friends. He always put a smile on your face. He was known for always being someone you could count on. He was always helping others, and he had your back.  Truman always wanted his friends to know his home was a SAFE HAVEN for others, and his parents were always there if you needed anything. His famous phrase, “I’ll call my momma, she’ll be here.”  He knew his dad would always offer words of encouragement to his friends and a stern word. Everyone was always welcome there.  His heart was pure. His friends will miss Truman saying, “Ya hear me!” He loved his family and life, and he lived and loved to the fullest. Truman kept his friends close to his heart; to know him was to love him.

He was preceded in death by a big brother, Thomas Jerome “TJ” Riles.

In addition to his parents he is survived by a brother, Hunter Reid Riles, who Truman admired; his girlfriend Molly Garrison; grandparents, Bruce and Edith Riles and Arthur “Babe” and Jessie Pearson; uncles, Jeff Riles and wife, Gina, and their sons, Jade and Coley Riles and wife Debbie; niece, Makenzie Cheyenne Hasson, his faithful dog, Festus; and extended family and many close, special friends he called family.

The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m., Thursday, April 12, 2018 at Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, April 13 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Steven Painter, Brother Tommy Sain, and Rev. Dr. Jack Hodges officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sossoman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 2608, Morganton, NC 28680 to help with funeral expenses.