Roger Briles

1946 - 2025

Roger Briles

Jan 14, 1946 - Nov 20, 2025

Roger Daniel Briles, 79, of Belews Creek, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2025. Throughout his life Roger was known to work hard and play harder.

Born on January 14, 1946, to the late Fred and Melba Briles, he first lived in Archdale, N.C., before his family moved to Germanton, N.C. As a young man Roger showed early leadership skills as President of the Western N.C. Conference of Methodist Youth Fellowship. Additionally, he was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 914 in Rural Hall where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and was recognized in the Order of the Arrow, Old Hickory Council, Wahissa Lodge 118. He graduated from North Forsyth High School in 1964 and attended Pheiffer University.

Roger was a member of Morris Chapel United Methodist Church where he participated in Sunday School, Men's Chorus, United Methodist Men, and served as Head Usher. Roger also attended the Walk to Emmaus, Dan River No. 48 and for many years he was a volunteer with The Shepherd's Center of Kernersville providing handyman services.

In the 1970's, Roger combined his love of cars with a background in sales and opened Briles Motor Company in Stanleyville. Outside of work Roger and his family loved to waterski and fish on Belews Lake. One afternoon while hooking up a boat trailer he got grease on his shirt from the trailer jack. This problem gave Roger the idea for his first product, The Protect-A-Jack. After years of hard work and determination Roger found himself in Kernersville where in 1988, he founded Roger's Products, Inc. Here with ingenuity and his love of fishing, he created, manufactured, and distributed marine and fishing products. Over time, the company diversified introducing unique Christmas lighting products. His entrepreneurial personality resulted in him obtaining multiple U.S. patents. By far, his favorite innovation was "Blinkies" and he took great delight in sharing them with the entire Kernersville community and beyond. He loved being known throughout Kernersville as "Mr. Blinkie."

Throughout his life Roger enjoyed many hobbies which included working in his yard, off road racing with the Davidson County 4x4 club, fishing with the Carolinian Bassmasters, dancing with the Winston-Salem Shag Club, as well as boating, camping, deejaying, and especially spending time with his grandchildren. One of his favorite things was watching a full moon rise over Belews Lake, an appreciation inspired by his mother, Melba.

He lived life full of passion and was always ready with a crazy idea. He had a knack for taking an unconventional concept and turning it into an opportunity. Roger appreciated a good challenge, found joy in pushing boundaries and testing limits. He loved Jesus, his family, a cold beer, and anything chocolate.

He will be remembered by his children, Carol (Jeff) Abercrombie, and Bradley (Angie) Briles. He was known as "Pops" to Blake Briles, currently serving in the USMC stationed in Twentynine Palms, Calif., Wesley Briles and his friend, Alley Jagger, Jackson Abercrombie, JB Abercrombie, Ella Abercrombie, Max Abercrombie, Mallory Michael, and Dylan Michael. He is survived by three sisters, Rebecca Briles Tuttle-Miller, Ruth Briles Spaugh, and Martha Briles Hemrick-Pace. He also leaves behind a devoted companion, Cathy Michael, her son, Brandon (Angela) Michael; his former wife, Pan Briles, who remained a good friend; and Ron Liner, his life-long pal.

A special thanks to Hospice of The Piedmont for taking great care of Roger and our family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 am, Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Morris Chapel United Methodist Church, 2715 Darrow Road, Walkertown, with Samantha Wesley officiating. The family will receive friends Friday, November 28, 2025, from 5 to 7 pm at Hayworth Miller Kernersville Chapel, 3950 Macy Grove Road.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Morris Chapel United Methodist Church or The Shepherd's Center of Kernersville, 636 Gralin Street, Kernersville, NC 27284.