Alan Paul Risden

Alan Paul Risden, 69, of Charleston, WV departed this life on, April 24, 2019 in Tarboro, North Carolina.

He was born June 27, 1949 in Charleston, WV, a son of Mary Elizabeth (Elmer) Risden Miller of Charleston, WV and the late Milford Risden.

In addition to his father he was preceded in death by his former spouse Donna Bsharah Risden and brother Kelly Risden.

A proud Marine veteran, Alan carried the Semper Fi motto throughout his life, standing strong for his family and his Orthodox Christian faith. He had a voracious thirst for knowledge, always reading, always learning, always unbeatable at Jeopardy and Trivial Pursuit. He loved traveling and experiencing the best of past and present in culture, nature, and the arts. Yet, he also had great passion for Formula 1 racing and football. The consummate gentleman, Alan’s incredible kindness and resilience will be a lasting inspiration for us all.

In addition to his mother, Mary Elizabeth (Elmer) Risden Miller, those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Mirela Risden; son, Scott Alexander (Lauren Gates) Risden; sister, Betty Risden (Donald) Fluharty; nephew, Gary Risden and goddaughters, Ashley Bsharah Smith and Megan Bsharah.

Services will be held at 11:00am, Wednesday, May 1st, 2019 at Saint George Orthodox Cathedral with Reverend Father Joseph Hazar and The Very Reverend Father Olof Scott officiating. Burial will follow at the Brown Family Cemetery, Charleston, WV.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 30th, 2019 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at the Saint George Orthodox Cathedral.

Contributions can be made to The Semper Fi Fund https://semperfifund.org/donate/

Freeman Funeral Home, Chapmanville, WV is in charge of the arrangements.