Biography: Volney Olifas Riser, age 98, of Little Rock, died Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at Baptist Medical Center. He was born in Ruston, Louisiana on February 29, 1908, to the late Nat Allen and Viola (Calcote) Riser. Mr. Riser was a 1924 graduate of Ruston High School, and in 1928, he graduated from Louisiana Tech with a degree in Electrical Engineering. After graduation, he worked briefly for Edison Electric, then began a forty-five year tenure with Westinghouse, from which he retired in 1973. He was a charter member of Westover Hills Presbyterian Church. In his younger years, Mr. Riser enjoyed fishing and gardening, but his constant and greatest joys were always his family and his church. He was preceded in death by his parents, three siblings, and his wife, Lucille (Childers) Riser who died in 1995. Survivors include his daughter, Jane Riser Fraiser and husband Dr. L.P. Fraiser of Little Rock; a son, Robert V. Riser and wife Judy of Brent, Alabama; a sister, Katie Simpson of Rustin, Louisiana; brothers, Bert Riser of Ruston, Louisiana, and Daryl Riser of Texas; grandchildren, Mark Fraiser of Hot Springs, Scott Fraiser of Atlanta, Georgia, David Fraiser and wife Kelly of Little Rock, Amy Fraiser of Walnut Creek, California, Dr. Robert V. Riser, Jr. of Livingston, Alabama, William Riser and wife Amy of Brent, Alabama; and four great grandchildren, Parker and Garrett Fraiser, and Jessica and Adam Riser. Graveside services will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, September 15, 2006 at Forest Hills Memorial Park followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at Westover Hills Presbyterian Church officiated by Revs. Jim and Debbie Freeman. Mr. Riser’s grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers. The family would like to thank the staff of Presbyterian Village, and the physicians and staff at Baptist Hospital for their attention and care. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, should be made to Westover Hills Presbyterian Church, 6400 Richard B. Hardie Dr., Little Rock, 72207. Funeral arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
My Dad was very fond of Uncle Vol and Aunt Lucille was one of my favorite Aunts. My Dad never missed calling Uncle Vol on his birthday, Feb. 29. My Dad and Uncle Vol shared the month of February for birthdays. Dad enjoyed talking with Uncle Vol about gardening, fishing, etc. My husband and I visited with Uncle Vol and Aunt Lucille many times. Each time, we enjoyed their company and their wonderful hospitality. I will always remember sitting in their living room, chatting about the latest craft Aunt Lucille was working on, recipes she made, or project Uncle Vol was involved with. I will always cherish the times I spent with them, even though the times were few in number. I am happy that our two children got to meet them and know them.
My prayers go to my cousins, Bob and Jane and their respective families.