PENDER COUNTY — Jackie “Jack” Ray Rivenbark was born on June 24, 1942, in Pender County to Eugene and Daisy Bowen Rivenbark and fell asleep in the Lord on August 27, 2026, at the age of 84 after a lengthy battle with colon cancer.
He is survived by his best friend and wife of 64 years, Lois Fussell Rivenbark; two daughters – Lynette R. Somers and her husband, Greg; Denise R. Legg and her husband Ryan; and one son – Kevin Rivenbark; five grandchildren who were the apple of his eye: granddaughter – AnnMarie Tolson and 4 grandsons: Alex Tolson, Logan Legg, Coolidge Rivenbark and Colin Legg; one sister – Marshalean Blanton and her husband, James; very special sisters-in-law Mildred Rivenbark and Tama Rivenbark; and a number of nieces and nephews, along with a host of very special friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Eloise (Alton Wood) and his brothers Warren G, Alfred Lee (Margaret), Harrison (Candace), Gene (Elizabeth) and Mick.
Jack was a humble and unassuming man, but beneath his simple exterior was a depth of wisdom, character, and kindness that touched everyone who knew him. At an early age his passion was focused on drag racing. During his many trips to the drag strip, he met many buddies who became life-long friends. While he won many races (and probably lost even more) he gained a racing family that has carried him through his life. His love of drag racing continued through his son and Jack proudly watched each weekend as Kevin carried the racing torch.
During his middle years, Jack became involved with Wallace-Rose Hill High School as an Advisory Board member and was a founding member of the Wallace-Rose Hill Booster Club. His heart and passion became W-RH Football where he helped grow the program into the state force it is today. On the sidelines and raising funds, you could always count on Jack to be there every Friday proudly watching his “Dawgs” as they took the field. Once again, through his hard work and passion, Jack made friends who became family. But more importantly, he quietly, behind the scenes and with no recognition, Jack gave many students at W-RH basic support that many needed to be successful students. His passion for helping others was one that school leaders knew they could lean on for helping their students.
At this time, Jack became a founding member of United Christian Fellowship Church. His Church family was very special to him. His faith in the Lord led him to be a church leader where he participated in the choir and led the music for the church along with many activities throughout the years. Each fall, the Church family would take an annual trip to Blowing Rock where Jack led many choruses of laughter and fun. Here, Jack was able to share his passion for gospel music.
The Church family was very special to Jack as his time with us was coming to an end. His pastor (retired) Buddy Dowd and wife Leah were by Jack’s bedside along with his wife, children and grandchildren as Jack took his last breath on this earth. What a peaceful passing to meet his Father. Jack’s brothers and sisters have always been the center of his world. With 5 brothers, there was always trouble to be had. His sisters always tried to keep him straight but with no avail. Family events with siblings, nephews, nieces and others who joined were always full of laughter with Jack usually in the center of it all.
Jack was blessed with many special friends who, over the years, became much more than friends—they became family. Glenn Batten became like a second son to Jack, bonded by their shared passion for the Bulldogs and the many memories and adventures they shared together. Austin Pusey, one of Jack’s many racing buddies, was like a brother to him and remained faithfully by his side through the years. These friendships were a treasured part of Jack’s life, and the love and loyalty they shared meant more to him than words could ever express.
Jack was the proud owner of Wholesale Auto Parts for many years before going on to own and operate Mickey’s Alignment, where he continued working until just two weeks before his passing. His family is deeply grateful to his nephew Jimmy Blanton for being by his side and for the many years of support, friendship, and loyalty he received from his customers. To Jack, his customers were so much more than people who walked through his doors—they became friends and, in many cases, like family. Your support meant more to him than words could ever express, and you touched his life in more ways than you could ever imagine.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 2nd at United Christian Fellowship Church, Wallace from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
A celebration of his life will be held at First Baptist Church in Wallace, N.C., on September 3 at 1:00p.m.
The graveside service will be held Riverview Cemetery in Wallace, N.C., immediately following the service.
Casketbearers will be Alex Tolson, Logan Legg, Colin Legg, Glenn Batten, Scott Imwalle, Austin Pusey, Jimmy Blanton and Bradley Blanton.
In lieu of flowers, Jack’s wish was to honor his memory with memorials to United Christian Fellowship Church, 415 W. Cliff St, Wallace, NC 28466 OR Wallace-Rose Hill Booster Club, 602 High School Rd, Teachey, NC 28464.
Truly, here is a servant of the Lord that one day will hear those words, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
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