Gordon Risley

Gordon Louis Risley died April 6, 2018 at the North Carolina Veteran’s Home in Kinston, NC. He had been a resident there for the past three years and had lived in New Bern, NC for the previous 30 years. He was 78 years old. He was born in Seattle, WA on July 28, 1939, son of Marvin and Helen Risley.

He is survived by his son, Michael Eric Risley, and wife, Lilliana, and grandchildren, Eric Risley and Hannah Risley, all of Laguna Niguel, CA. Also surviving are a sister, Laurene Gaskins, and husband, Bill Gaskins, nephew, Wade Gaskins and wife, Lisa, great nephew, Patrick Gaskins and great niece, Samantha Gaskins of New Bern, NC and nephew, Andrew Gaskins and great niece, Emmerson Gaskins of High Point, NC

After attending college at the University of Illinois, he joined the U S Air Force and served in various locations in Texas and California. Upon his discharge, he studied at Cal State – Fullerton where he received his bachelor’s degree. While visiting his sister in Atlanta, he met his future wife, Jeanne Rasmussan and they married in California in 1967. He and his family moved back to Seattle and he worked as a senior computer programmer for Peoples Bank in Seattle.

Gordon was a gentle man with an easy going personality and was a joy to be around. He loved to build and repair things and he loved the outdoors, especially the mountains and waters of the Seattle area. His great faith in God inspired us and carried him through the very difficult health problems he endured for so many years. We’ll miss you but will see you on the other side!

Funeral services will be held Sat. April 14, 2018 at 11:00 am at Cotten Funeral Home, with the Reverends Ed and Mary Ann Koffenberger officiating, followed by internment at Greenleaf Memorial Park.

Those who serve the residents at the NC State Veterans Home in Kinston are God’s special people, and the family would like to thank them for their dedication and loving care.