Philip ‘Phil’ Rider

He was born on April 18, 1939, in Junior, West Virginia, to Doyle and Nellie Rider.

He was preceded in death on April 23, 2021, by his loving wife, Emma “Sue” Rider.

Phil and Sue raised and loved six children with all of their hearts, Philip Ryder of Elkins, Richard Ryder, who passed away in 2014, Phyllis Collett of Junior, Teresa Harris of Junior, Stanley Rider, who passed away in 1968, and Melissa Rider-Wilfong of Red House.

His 12 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren brought so many smiles to his face. From taking them to throw rocks in the creek, exploring the “bat caves,” camping, checking out his amazing garden and watching them on the football field, he was a source of joy for them all.

They are, Angie Daniels of Beverly, Susanne Donegia of Elkins, Rachel Watson of Elkins, Tiffany Witek of Belington, Amanda Newlon of Belington, Jennifer Rockwell of Montrose, Kayla Mitchell of Dartmoor, Ryan Mitchell of Belington, Melissa McCauley of Audra Road, Sabrina Lloyd of Junior, Philip Wilfong of Red House and Jonah Wilfong of Red House.

Phil was one of the smartest, funniest and gentlemen you could ever meet. He was a perfect picture of a true Appalachian who loved the Lord. He loved and respected nature to the highest degree that one can imagine. He loved hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking, gardening, ginsenging, ramp-digging, and backpacking his entire life. He was also a teacher to everyone who knew him. As a West Virginia coal miner, he taught the value of work ethic by working tirelessly to provide for his family. He taught compassion every day of his life. He gave cheerfully to others, offered the best advice, invited those without a family to holiday dinners, and loved without judgement. Most of all, he taught us all how to be a good person. Even though he faced many struggles in life, he carried on with appreciation of the simple life. It’s been said that people often leave this world in the way that they lived it. This is definitely true for Phil. He left this world in a peaceful and calm way surrounded by love.

“The idea is not to live forever, but to create something that will.”

Please honor Phil by extending kindness to others on a daily basis and being the change, you wish to see in the world.

Even though he will be greatly missed, we can celebrate that he is at peace reunited with the love of his life and his family who have passed on before.

Come celebrate his life with us. Visitors will be welcomed at Talbott Funeral Home in Belington, West Virginia, on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m., the funeral hour, with the Pastor Johnny Paul Williams II officiating. Cremation will be honored. His soul’s vessel will be buried next to his wife and sons at K of P Cemetery in a private, family service at a later time.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Weaver Church of the Nazarene P.O. Box 122 Junior, WV 26275.

Condolences can be made to the family at www.talbottfuneralhome.com.

The Talbott Funeral Home in Belington is in charge of the arrangements for Philip “Phil” Rider.