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5434 Old Birmingham Highway
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
COKER Retired Georgia newsman Duane Smith Riner, age 76, died July 4, 2013, at DCH Regional Medical Center. Services will be 2 p.m. Monday, July 8, 2013 at Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Tuscaloosa Memorial Park with Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be Sunday night from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Riner was born in Lyons, Ga., on August 8, 1936. Riner began his career at the Brunswick News, where he became Managing Editor. He joined the Atlanta Constitution for general assignments, and then was appointed Washington Correspondent. He later returned to Atlanta, Ga. as Political Editor.
Riner was enlisted by Georgia Governor James Earl Carter as a Special Staff Assistant. Georgia Governor George Busbee asked Riner to serve during his two administrations as Press Secretary and speechwriter.
Riner returned to the combined Atlanta Journal and Constitution, where he served in various editorships. He later retired as a Metro Editor in 2002 and made his home in west Alabama.
Survivors include wife, Helen; daughters, Mariah Elledge Riner McClelland (Patrick) of Lawrenceville, Ga., and Celesta Claire Riner of Coker.
Condolences may be sent to www.tuscaloosamemorial.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I did an internship with Duane when he was press secretary to Gov. Busbee. I was greener than green and dumber than dumb, but Duane encouraged me and gave me opportunities I didn't deserve. Thousands of articles and 10 books later I still use what Duane taught me then. Grateful and sad. Condolences to the Riner family.
Warren Smith
December 16, 2013
One of the good guys.
Rest.
Scott Shepard
July 8, 2013
I first met Duane when he was the press secretary for Gov. George Busbee and I was an AJC reporter -- would sit in his office at the capitol getting briefed on what the governor was doing and swapping gossip about mutual acquaintances at the newspaper. He was a good friend and a good guy. I'm very sorry to hear of his passing.
Tom Crawford
July 8, 2013
Duane will always be remembered as a good man and a good friend - and an honest-to-goodness newspaper man. Duane was a true friend when I moved from B'ham to Atlanta in 1999 to work for the AJC, and he just recently checked in on my family. He will be missed. My prayers are with the Riner family.
Carla Caldwell
July 8, 2013
I first knew Duane when he was a Capitol bureau chief -- one of the classic gentlemen journalists. I was fortunate to work with him later at the AJC. I don't think he ever had an unkind word for anyone, and goodness knows some of us deserved one. My condolences to his family.
David Simpson
July 8, 2013
I just remember Duane Riner as a heckuva nice guy. Condolences to the family from one of Duane's AJC colleagues.
Mae Gentry
July 7, 2013
My prayers are with Duane's family. He was a great newspaper man.
Stephen Harvey
July 7, 2013
Duane was one of the wisest colleagues anyone could hope for. He was a mentor, sometimes critic and always generous friend. I will miss him greatly
John Hanson
July 7, 2013
Celesta, my heart and thoughts to you and your family.
Sandy Brown
July 7, 2013
I was so sorry to hear about Duane.It was a great pleasure to know him first in Brunswick and later in Atlanta. He was outstanding and admired by all
Ginnie joins me in sending our deepest sympathy.
Al Hopkins
July 7, 2013
I am saddened by Duane's passing and send my condolences to his family. I worked with Duane at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and he helped me learn the ropes of overseeing bureaus. He was a dedicated newsman, respected by the reporters he guided. And he loved his family. My heart goes out to you.
Susan Gast
July 6, 2013
My deepest condolences to Duane's family. He was a great guy and news man, unflappable under pressure. He and I were colleagues at the AjC, and I remember his combined presence, and gentle nature.
Louis Mayeux
July 6, 2013
John and Marilynn Shirley. The most helpful thing I have been told in times like this"Life go's on".We are sorry for your loss.
John L Shirley
July 6, 2013
I am so very sorry Celeste and family for your loss. Sending love and light to all of you!
Broekman Carlsten
July 6, 2013
Duane was a top-notch newspaperman and a gentleman, kind, wise, keenly observant and slyly funny. I worked with him at the Atlanta Journal Contstitution and his editing made my stories far better than I was a writer.
Peter Kent, Mountain Rest, S.C.
Peter Kent
July 6, 2013
He was a wonderful father and friend to all, with his wit and personality he was never at a loss for words and he would have known what to say to get me though the saddest days of my life. We were so lucky to have him as long as we did and we will miss him so very much. I know he will be with us in spirit and that keeps me strong. I love you dad, you are one in a million.
Mariah and Patrick McClelland
July 6, 2013
Sorry to hear of Mr Riner s passing. Remember him well from Brunswick GA where he lived for a while. Well respected, well liked and revered. He ll be missed.
sandra martin-mungin
July 6, 2013
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Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, Memorial Park, and Crematory5434 Old Birmingham Highway, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404
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