Rodney Rieks

Rodney Rieks, 88, of Gastonia, set sail and chartered a course to Heaven on Friday, July 22, 2016 from Robin Johnson House. A native of Crewe Virginia, Rodney was born January 30, 1928 to the late Lawrence and Mary Duffy Reiks.

Rodney was a graduate of New London Academy, Bedford Virginia. He was a World War II veteran serving four years with the U.S. Merchant Marines and two years in the Korean War and Japan with the U.S. Army. During this time, he was awarded several medals; including the Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Star, the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Rodney was also a life member of the V.F.W. post 9337 and a member of the American Legion. He began a 38-year career in the finance business. He loved his country, fishing, dancing, traveling and fellowshipping and eating with his Christian friends.

Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife, Helen Dysart Rieks and her sons, Jim and Billy; his brother Donnie Higgins and wife Sharon of Naples Florida; his nephews and nieces, Paul Higgins, Gary Powell and wife Pam, Larry Powell, Ricky Powell, Robbie Walters and wife Lori.

The family will receive friends from 3 to 5pm Sunday afternoon, July 24, 2016 at Sisk-Butler Funeral & Cremation Services, Bessemer City.

His funeral service will be held at 11am Monday July 25, 2016 at Trinity Assembly Evangelical Church of God, Bessemer City with the Rev. Lee Russell, Rev. Dick Whitener, and the Rev. Don Jewell officiating.

Interment will follow at Gaston Memorial Park with military honors given by the Gaston County Honor Guard.