Wilfred J. Rivers, affectionately referred to as "Jeffery" or "Will," passed away on February 27, 2025, following a brief illness at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. He will be profoundly missed by all who knew him, especially for his enduring kindness, radiant smile, and generous spirit.

Wilfred was recognized for his friendliness and commitment to helping others, and he made a significant positive impact within his community and the Triangle Brick Family. He consistently volunteered for overtime, assisted colleagues, and contributed to training new employees. As a versatile individual, he served as a cornerstone of his workplace, always exhibiting a "can-do" attitude and offering assistance whenever needed. His distinctive laughter had the power to uplift those around him. Wilfred was known for his strong work ethic and repair skills, leading to his career as an electrician after attending technical college. His passions included barbecuing, watching football and basketball. He often playfully teased about the New Orleans Saints, engaging others with questions about the outcome of their games. Above all, he demonstrated his profound love and commitment to his family by checking in on family daily.

Wilfred was born on June 8, 1961, in Bogalusa, Louisiana, to Robert E. Rivers Sr. and Mildred (Moses) Rivers.

He completed his education at Bowman High School in Wadesboro, North Carolina. While employed at Wade Mill, he pursued further education as an electrician at Anson Technical College, where he was known for his dedication and diligence, frequently remaining late to ensure tasks outside of work were completed to the highest standard.

Wilfred was a devoted Greater St. Mark Church of Deliverance member until he transitioned to Faith Believers Center. His favorite quote was, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

He is survived by his loving sister, Pam Smith of Mandeville, Louisiana; his brother, Robert E. Rivers Jr.; his fiancée, Fairy L. Gaddy of Lilesville, North Carolina; and several uncles: James Moses (Dorothy) of Angie, Louisiana; Leonard Moses (Flora) of Bogalusa, Louisiana; Anderson Moses (Myrlie) of Angie, Louisiana; Elder Charles Moses (Martha) of Dunn, North Carolina; and aunt, Cathy Moses of Angie, Louisiana. Additionally, he is survived by stepdaughters, Nina Preston and Monique Gaddy of Wadesboro, North Carolina; stepson, Eric Gaddy (Renata); And was known as “Pop Pop” by the grandkids: Dream Sturdivant, Desire Preston, Fairly, and Jabreal Gabby and D’Mikal Gaddy of Wadesboro. North Carolina; nieces and nephews, including Nyeemiah Rucker (J. Goodman), Nyasha Green (Jamal) of Mount Vernon, New York; Najja Rucker (Erica) of the Bronx, New York; Alex Smith of Mandeville, Louisiana; Khalid Rivers (Sharon) of Parkton, North Carolina; Isaac Gaddy of Wadesboro, North Carolina; as well as great-nieces and great-nephews: Benjamin Green, Parker Green, Dakarai Goodman, Imani Goodman, and Shakur Goodman of Mount Vernon, New York; Nereida Rucker and Asher Rucker of the Bronx, New York; along with numerous cousins and friends.

Wilfred is preceded in death by his father, Robert Earl Rivers, Sr., his mother, Mildred M. Rivers, and sisters Elizabeth “Trina” Rivers and Francis “Claudette” Rucker.

The Homegoing Services will be on Thursday, March 6, 2025, 12:00pm, Smith's Memorial Chapel, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina. Interment will follow at Westview Memorial Park, Polkton, North Carolina.

The Rivers Family will greet family and friends on Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 11:00am-12:00pm at Smith's Memorial Chapel.

The public viewing will be on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 from 3:00-5:30pm at Smith's Funeral Home.

The services will be live-streamed on Facebook at H.C. Smith Funeral Home.