Rev. Dr. David Riffe

Rev. Dr. David Riffe, 92, passed away on December 25, 2025, at Arbor Acres United Methodist Retirement Community. He was born on October 27, 1933, to Harold Montgomery Riffe and Pansy Humphreys Riffe in Beckley, WV. In 1955 he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Teachers College at Marshall College. He subsequently attended Duke Divinity School for his Bachelor of Divinity (1958) and later Drew University for his Doctor of Ministry (1990). He was employed by The United Methodist Church as a campus minister at West Virginia University, The University of Delaware, and twice at Wake Forest University. He dedicated 31 years to campus ministry, mentoring numerous students, some of whom later pursued careers in ministry themselves. He also served as Associate Director of the Council on Ministries for Education for the Peninsula Conference of the United Methodist Church. His interests and hobbies included playing pool, tennis, basketball, camping, woodworking, teaching computers to older adults, and ice cream! His deep love for and commitment to the wellbeing of his family, students, and others was evident in so many ways.

Dr. Riffe was preceded in death by his father Harold Riffe; mother, Pansy Humphreys Riffe; sister, Mary Riffe Crawford; and brothers, Jim Riffe and Harold Riffe. Surviving are his loving wife of 67 years, Joyce Burrier Riffe; children, David Mark Riffe, Cynthia Joyce Riffe Hancock, Scott Edward Riffe; their spouses, Pam Carter Riffe, Dawson Hancock, Annette Hoag Riffe; grandchildren and their partners, David Benjamin Riffe and Anna Harris, Erin Hancock and Sydney Whittington, Joshua Riffe and Clara Riffe, Matthew Hancock and Breanna Slough, Robin Hancock, Hannah Riffe, and Timothy Riffe; nieces and nephews; a great-grandchild expected in April; and many, many dear friends. The family would especially like to thank the staff at Arbor Acres United Methodist Retirement Community, particularly his nurses for their loving care of David during his final years.

A celebration of life will be held on March 10, 2026, beginning at 11:00 in Davis Chapel on the campus of Wake Forest University, School of Divinity, 1834 Wake Forest Rd, Winston-Salem, NC. A reception with family and friends will follow in the lower level of the Chapel. Parking is available in Wake Forest Lot P.

David and Joyce felt a strong attachment to Delaware, where they raised their family, and the Chesapeake Bay area. In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Riffe asks that memorials be made to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation www.cbf.org.  Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com