Matthew "Matt" Scott Reilly

Matthew “Matt” Scott Reilly, age 24, of Boone, NC, formerly of Conover, NC, passed away Saturday, May 27, 2017 at McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, SC, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Born February 1, 1993 in Catawba County, NC, he was the son of Lisa Karen Calhoun Owen of Oak Island, NC and David Scott Reilly of Conover, NC.

Matt was a 2011 graduate of Newton-Conover High School and served in the Military Police division of the US Army for 5 years. While serving his country in the US Army, he received numerous commendation medals including the Army Achievement Medal for saving a man’s life. He was also selected to serve as a member of the Honor Guard in the United Nations Command in Seoul, South Korea. Matt was currently enrolled at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, where he was pursuing a degree in criminal justice and a minor in military science. Matt enjoyed “everything outdoors,” including hunting, hiking, fishing and riding his motorcycle.

Matt was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Carroll and Bonnie Calhoun.

Survivors include his paternal grandparents David and Jean Reilly of Bermuda Run, NC; mother, Lisa Karen Calhoun Owen of Oak Island, NC; father and step-mother, D. Scott and Beth Z. Reilly of Conover, NC; step-father, Randy Owen of Charlotte, NC; sister, Meghan Davenport of Charlotte, NC; nephew Jayden Davenport and niece Everley Davenport; step-sister Isabella Zaliagiris of Chapel Hill, NC; step-brother Tom Zaliagiris of Charlotte, NC; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 4:00 PM on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Conover City Cemetery with Military Chaplain Barnette officiating. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 12:30 to 3:30 PM at Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home in Newton, NC. Members of the NC National Guard will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to: Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Fund Inc. (SAAF), 7410 Chapel Hill Road, Raleigh, NC, 27607 or to Newton-Conover High School Junior ROTC, 338 West 15th Street, Newton, NC, 28658.