David Michael Rider, 71, of Talcott, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2020 following a short illness.

Born at Stone Cliff, WV, January 29, 1949, he was the son of the late Julius H. Rider, II, and Zelda Z. Ward Rider.

Mike was of the Baptist faith and a graduate of Talcott High School.  Upon graduation, he worked in the construction field in the Washington, DC/Maryland area on numerous housing projects and in precast concrete plants as a master plansman and formsmaker.  When his family returned to WV, he was employed as a cabinetmaker & master carpenter in Raleigh and surrounding counties for several years.  In 1978, he opened his own business in Summers County and worked as a master carpenter there until retirement.  Many said he was "truly an artist in his field" but he was most fulfilled by passing his experience on to the young men that worked with him, whom he considered his life-long friends.  After retirement, Mike was always there to lend a helping hand or give advice to others.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Julius H. Rider, III, John Thomas Rider, and Lewis J. Rider, and son-in-law, Wayne Martin.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 53 years, Linda Dodd Rider, two daughters, Alice Martin, of Talcott, and Laura Wills and husband Allen, of Lewisburg, beloved sister, Norma Jean Meadows, of Charleston, and two special sisters-in-law, Joanne Lightner and Brenda Rider.  Four grandchildren, Megan Clark and husband Jamie, Katherine Hartwell and husband Austin, and Alexandria Wills and Claire Wills, and four great-grandchildren Hadley Bennett, Avarie Hartwell, Amelia Billups, and Wyatt Hartwell also survive.  Mike was a quiet, gentle and loving man whose greatest joy and pride was in his family.  He was a very devoted husband, father and grandfather who will be missed beyond belief.

A private service will be held at Pivont Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Ronald Cobb officiating.  Cremation will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bowers Hospice House, 454 Cranberry Drive, Beckley, WV 25801.