Bill Rivers Jr.

William E. Rivers Jr., 61, of Cary passed away peacefully on July 29, 2024 surrounded by family and friends after a short courageous battle with kidney cancer.Bill was born September 4, 1962 in Wilkes County to Bill and Lynda Rivers and grew up in Mulberry.

Bill was very involved in a variety of sports and outdoor pursuits. He was the eldest of four amazing kids and their home was always full of energy (sometimes chaos). Bill was an avid Tar Heel fan and met his best friend and love of his life, Kim in Chapel Hill. They were married for almost 40 years and have two wonderful children, a devoted son-in-law, two perfect grandchildren, and two cats who manage the home on a daily basis.He enjoyed time with family and friends and spent much time fishing, working in the yard, golfing, and cooking in every way imaginable. He had quite an impressive grill, flat top, and smoker collection. Bill cheered for his beloved Tar Heels, the Yankees, Cowboys, and Hurricanes. He loved helping family and friends in any way he could and he is loved by many.

Bill graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and worked as an IT Director for many years. He was a deacon and leader at Covenant Christian Church (DoC) in Cary and coached various children's sports teams.Bill supported his children in everything they did - from academics to sports to beer and cheesecake making.

Bill leaves behind his wife, Kim, daughter Madison Ryan (Dan), son Alex Rivers, and grandchildren Owen and Riley Ryan, all of Cary. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Bill and Lynda Rivers of Mulberry and is survived by his in laws, Jimmy and Joyce Warren of Newton Grove. He leaves behind a sister, Julie Rivers of Mebane; brothers Ben Rivers (Karen) of Kernersville and Van Rivers (Beth) of Mulberry; brother-in-law Kent Warren (Melissa) of Goldsboro: four nieces and four nephews whom he dearly loved. He is also survived by special lifelong friends Jeff and Dawn Brown of Chapel Hill.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider making a donation to the Judy Nicholson Kidney Cancer Foundation focused on kidney cancer patients and caregivers (jnfkidneycancer.org); the NC Coastal Land Trust - Save the Point dedicated to permanently conserving the undeveloped southern end of Topsail Island (coastallandtrust.org - Save the South End - Topsail Beach): Covenant Christian Church (2911 SW Cary Parkway, Cary NC 27513); Alley Cats and Angels Cat Rescue (alleycatsandangels.org PO Box 785, Apex NC) or a charity of your choice.

There will be a casual gathering to celebrate Bill's life on Sunday, September 22 at 2pm at the Matthews House, 317 W. Chatham St., Cary NC. To honor Bill's sense of style, attendees are encouraged to dress casually: shorts and Carolina attire will be welcome.

The family appreciates the outpouring of love and support over the past few months. The calls, texts, cards, notes, food, massages, haircuts, help with Alex and grandkids, and company at just the right time made Bill (and us) feel so loved. Your acts of kindness have helped us navigate this difficult journey. Thank you so much!