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Riley Estes Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Riley Estes
Sponsored by Andrews Mortuary and Crematory - Market Street Chapel - Wilmington.
Terry Love
February 17, 2021
It was heartbreaking to hear of Riley's passing. Thoughts and prayers for the entire Estes family for peace and strength in the coming days.
February 15, 2021
Dear Estes Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Riley’s passing. I imagine the heartbreak is overwhelming. I keep thinking of him, picturing his bright eyes and beautiful smile and the sound of his laughter. He could light up a room. May you cling to that light as you cope with the dark grief and unimaginable loss.
With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Annmarie Edwards
Carolyn, Mark, Michael and Drew Medley
February 15, 2021
Our memories of Riley as one of Drew's friends and teammates on the cowboy football field are so vivid. What a wonderful, sweet time.. one that always leaves a warm feeling and puts a smile on the face. For us, that is, and will always be, Riley. Our family is praying for yours and sending all possible strength your way. Hoping you feel the love that is surrounding you from so many directions and that it will help move you forward and bring peace. All our love!
W A
February 14, 2021
I don't know Riley, but I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Kirk Coker
February 14, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Brian, Gretchen and family. Kirk and Allyson Coker
William Cheatham
February 12, 2021
Brian and Gretchen, I am so saddened by your loss. You are in my prayers and thoughts. Love you both.
Betty and Don Wilkinson
February 12, 2021
Praying for your family and wishing you peace and understanding of what has happened.
Jacob Rhiver
February 12, 2021
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of Riley. While I never met him, I feel in my own way to what degree I can, some of the pain your family is feeling during this time. I am a student at UNCW and graduating this year. I can only imagine the pain my family would feel if they lost one of our own. May you find some degree of peace in the coming days and weeks and months.
Debbie Owens
February 12, 2021
Gretchen, Brian and Burke,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will light a candle for Riley. His light will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. My family shares your grief.
David & Janie Wood
February 11, 2021
Brian, Gretchen and Burke,
We are so sorry for this devastating blow. We pray that you can know a Peace that passes all understanding as you navigate this grief.
Kimberly Cox
February 11, 2021
May your beautiful light continue to shine through those you leave behind. Let your smile be remembered as shining bright like a diamond. Diamonds are forever.
Natilie Wooldridge
February 11, 2021
Truly my heart breaks for your family. The group you are in now, no one wants to have membership. However, we found comfort at www.whilewerewaiting.org , a group for parents and families like ours that have lost our children.
I only have a few memories of Riley as a young child, but I always enjoyed the Christmas cards. I pray that you can find comfort and rest. We love you. Please call or text me, Gretchen, if you ever need to talk.
Tracy McCullen
February 11, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss! I did not know Riley but I live in Summer Walk and would like to help with the design of the memorial garden around the pond. May you find comfort in all the beauty Riley brought to your lives and may his spirit live on with his family & friends forever.
The Coakley Family
February 11, 2021
Gretchen, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of Riley. When I saw you a couple of weeks ago I loved how you beamed with pride about both of your boys. I know your heart is broken and I pray that you may find peace & comfort in the lord. He is gone from your family way to soon but home with the lord for all eternity. Until you meet again, May the love you have for him and memories help you through this extremely difficult time. Peace, love & friendship Cindy Coakley
dee UNCW
February 11, 2021
Riley, I did not know you, I am just a student at UNCW grad school. I have a son your age and your demise is very saddening. You seem to have been a great person with love for all things life. This world will surely miss you. May your soul rest in peace, or reflecting on your active lifestlyle let me say " may your soul keep progressing". My deepest condolences and prayers are with the family and loved ones.- Dee!!
Jill Claxton
February 11, 2021
I will be praying for the Garrett and Estes family.
Laurie Carpenito
February 11, 2021
Gretchen, Brian and Burke,
We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Riley. I can remember the big smile on Riley’s face when he was little and he would come into Fletcher’s and follow Burke around when they were little boys. There are no words to to ease your pain now but it is my hope that one day, happy memories of Riley will help you smile again. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this heartbreaking time and we pray that your faith in Christ carries you through this time.
Annita & Earl Paul
February 11, 2021
Gretchen & Brian,
We are heartbroken at reading of Riley’s home-going. Though with no basis for comprehending the pain you feel, we are praying that your faith in Christ will in time keep his too short but well lived life in the forefront of your mind. And give you peace.
Kenda, Joe, Rachel and Karen Frances Walter
February 11, 2021
We are thinking of you Gretchen, Brian and Burke. Love and hugs to you every day.
Nancy
February 10, 2021
Your loss is unimaginable. Sending prayers from afar to you and your family.
Ann O'Keefe
February 10, 2021
Gretchen, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Dawna Harrison
February 10, 2021
Sending you prayers for strength as you find your way through each day.
Dawna Harrison and family
Kelly Redenbaugh
February 10, 2021
We are absolutely heartbroken for your family. Riley was such a great young man. Treasure all of the wonderful memories and know that you now have an angel watching over you.
Larry. Kelly and Larry III Redenbaugh
Toni Miller
February 10, 2021
My heart breaks for you in this unthinkable loss. May you feel him ever close and find comfort in the warmth of his memory and unending love for you.
Julie Wewers
February 10, 2021
Brian and Gretchen,
My heart is shattered for you. I am praying for peace and comfort for your family, and thinking of you constantly.
Love to you both, and to Ms Sara, Jill and Haden.
Julie May-Wewers
Alecia Billings Castleberry
February 10, 2021
Brian, Gretchen, Sara, Jill & Hayden - I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Yvonne Rumple
February 10, 2021
Prayers going out for your sweet family for comfort and peace. The greenspace you are planning is such a beautiful memorial.
Renee Livesay and Family
February 10, 2021
Sending Prayers of Strength to the Estes/Garrett Family as you navigate through this unimaginable and difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss.
Carolyn Ridenour
February 10, 2021
Gretchen, I am holding you, Brian, and Burke in my prayers and although I had not met Riley in person, everything about him says he's a beautiful light. I am so very sorry. Love you much. Carolyn Ridenour
Margaret Heacock
February 10, 2021
Offering prayers for both of you Gretchen and Brian on the loss of your son. I meet you two at Myrtle Beach, N.C. a couple of summers ago with Peggy Heacock. Prayers for your comfort!!!
Amy Garrett Barnett
February 10, 2021
Gretchen and family, we are so heartbroken for you at the loss of your precious son. We are lifting prayers that our almighty God surrounds you with a peace that only He can. We love you all.
Deborah Fainn
February 10, 2021
Prayers to the entire Estes family during this time of loss and sadness. My thoughts and love are with you. Peace and strength to you as go through this difficult time. ❤
Catherine Caruthers Brooks
February 10, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss Gretchen and Brian! Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time.
February 10, 2021
Gretchen, Brian and Burke, we are all so heartbroken over the sudden and tragic loss of Riley. What a beautiful young man. All his achievements and his character are a tribute to his loving family. What an incredible gift he was to so many people. Please know, we are thinking of you, wanting to help you in anyway we can and are holding you all up in boundless prayer and love. John, Michelle, Campbell, Jack and Dawson Cooper
Marian wright
February 10, 2021
I am so truly sorry for your loss. Words aren’t enough. Just know this entire community is praying for peace and comfort for you and your family !
Chaplain Leonia Jones
February 10, 2021
Brian, Gretchen and Estes family you are still in my prayers. Praying that you continue to “lift your eyes to the hills, from whence cometh (continued) your help. Your help cometh from the LORD” (Psalm 121:1 KJV). “You have track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in Your bottle. You have recorded each one in Your book” (Psalm 56:8 NLT). May the Word of God give you comfort.
Vicki Brown
February 10, 2021
Gretchen, I can not imagine your pain. All I can offer is prayer for comfort and strength from God to get you through the loss you feel. The love you have for your family is very present. Keep your faith in God, and draw strength from his mercy and grace. I will
continue to pray for you in the days ahead.
Konni & Mike Johnson
February 10, 2021
Gretchen and Brian, Mike & I are holding you and Burke tight in our hearts. We love you and wish for you all peace to come.
February 10, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. You are in our hearts and prayers. We are here if you need anything and to help any way we can..much love from your neighbors, The Vollmin Family
Scott Tabor
February 10, 2021
Brain and Gretchen, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Scott and Denise Tabor
Jeffrey & Jennifer Slagel
February 10, 2021
Our deepest condolences to the Estes family and all of Riley’s friends. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Craig Zediker
February 10, 2021
My families prayers are with you guys. Love y’all.
Anne Wells
February 10, 2021
Gretchen and Brian, there are no words to express how sorry Lang and I were to hear this news. We are so very sorry for your loss and will be praying for you all. Sending our love and thoughts to you.
Sandra & Jim Bush
February 10, 2021
We always loved it when Riley’s Grandparents shared with us stories of Riley. They were so proud of him. You have mine & Jim’s prayers for God’s peace to comfort you now.
Heidi Winslow
February 10, 2021
I will never forget you sweet boy. Hadlie loved you. You taught her to fish, have fun on a bike, dance in the rain, and not take life so seriously. I found out you loved her voice and asked her to sing all the time. Your favorite was ‘amazing grace’. I think that request is so romantic. She turned to you daily and your void is immense. We are devastated without you. The Winslow Family
Anne Lorenz
February 10, 2021
Our family hearts are so heavy hearing about Riley. We will be praying for you Gretchen, Brian and Burke. The Lorenz’s
Shane Broadway
February 10, 2021
Brian, Jill and Ms. Sara, I was saddened to read about Riley’s passing in the paper this morning. Sending my love and prayers to all of you from Bryant. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
Jennifer Tiso
February 10, 2021
I taught Riley in the sixth grade (Science) and my heart is heavy for all that knew him, for Gretchen, Brian, Burke, their families, and for the staff at Murrayville, Trask, and New Hanover! He was an absolute pleasure to teach, positive energy in class, and had a smile that lit up any room.
Joel and Kathy Gladden
February 9, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with your precious family.
Angela and Hylan Furniss
February 9, 2021
Estes Family,
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of sweet, Riley. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cynthia Gallagher
February 9, 2021
My deepest condolences to all who loved Riley.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Gallagher
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