Edward “Joe” Eugene Riffle | Eastern NC Now

    Edward "Joe" Eugene Riffle, age 85, a resident of Washington, NC died Sunday February 15, 2026, at his home.

    A memorial service will be held at 2:00PM Friday February 20, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Washington and will be officiated by Greg Barmer.

    The family will receive friends at the church, immediately following the service.

    Joe was born in Washington County, Maryland to the late Joseph Bruce Riffle and Thania Eason Riffle. He was a 1959 graduate of Williamsport High School. In July of 1962, he married Amelia Erleen Worrell.

    Joe proudly served in the United States Coast Guard and was stationed in Alaska. Following his service, he worked for Hayes Aircraft in Elizabeth City, before moving to Washington, NC. In Washington, he worked in Quality Control with Hamilton Beach for many years before moving to other local industries. He was a member of First Baptist Church and the Masonic Lodge, Orr Lodge 104.

    Joe loved many things in life. He particularly enjoyed spending time in the mountains with his bride of 64 years. He was also a talented artist and painted often in his spare time. Joe also very much enjoyed his time baking and grilling for family and friends. Most of all, his most cherished moments were those spent with his family, whether simply sitting on the back porch, having sleepovers with his grandchildren or enjoying family adventures in the NC mountains.

    Survivors include his wife, Amelia W. Riffle of the home, three children, Walter Riffle and wife Tammy of Bear Grass, Teresa Patti of Washington, Debra Vaughn and husband Matt of Raleigh, seven grandchildren, Dawn Riffle, Haley Jernigan, Elizabeth Julyan, Macy Riffle, Samuel Patti, Carver Vaughn, Eason Vaughn, two great grandchildren, Ashten Harper, Zackary Harper, three sisters, Joey Whitfield of Pennsylvania, Bonita Currey of Texas, and Diane Davis of Ohio.

    He is preceded in death by a brother, John Riffle.

    In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for any memorial contributions to be made to the youth programs of First Baptist Church, 113 N. Harvey Street, Washington, NC 27889. https://thefirstbaptistchurch.com/onlinegiving/

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Riffle family.