Mr. Robert F. Briley, 86, of Bethel, died Tuesday, May 15, 2018. The funeral service will be conducted Monday, May 21, 2018, at 2 p.m. in the Bethel Baptist Church, officiated by the Rev. Heath Faircloth. Burial will follow in the Bethel Cemetery with military honors.

Mr. Briley was a native of Edgecombe County and had resided in the Bethel community his entire life. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. For 35 years, he owned and operated Briley’s Electrical and Plumbing Service. He attended Bethel Baptist Church. Mr. Briley served as Bethel Town Commissioner for 16 years and gave 20 years of service to the Bethel Fire Department. For 45 years, he was a part time resident of the Swan Point community of Beaufort County and was an avid fisherman.

Preceding him in death are his parents, G.C. & Dora Briley; four brothers; three sisters, and daughter, Lori Briley Gaskins.

He is survived by, his wife of 64 years, Ruby Strickland Briley; two daughters, Kathy Hooker and husband Joe, of Aurora, and Gail Mayo and husband Danny, of Washington; sister, Rebecca Johnson of Speed, N.C.; grandchildren, Brandon Sutton and wife Cindy, of Statesville, Robbie Hooker, of Aurora, Matthew Hooker and wife Johanna, of Washington, and LeeAnne Hooker, of Aurora; and four great-grandchildren, Hunter Sutton, Dylan Sutton, Willow Hooker and Khloie Hooker.

Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to the Bethel Baptist Church, c/o Elevator Fund, 145 Main Street, Bethel, NC 27812.

Visitation will be held Sunday evening from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Wilkerson Funeral Home and other times at the home. Arrangements are by Wilkerson Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences at www.WilkersonFuneralHome.com.