Elder Paul 'Ben' Rives was born September 27th, 1942 in Greensboro, NC. He departed his early journey of life to be with his Heavenly Father on March 5th, 2020 at Moses Cone Hospital. He was proceeded in death by his parents Wiley and Hannah Martin and his Aunt Margaret McNair along with his other aunts. Ben was an Alumni of Dudley High School Class of 1960 and graduated from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University where he majored in chemistry and minored in a mathematics. He used his talents as a chemist for 38 years before retiring. Ben loved everything about music and its rich history. He has played and recorded for Ike and Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Sam and Dave, James Brown and many others. Ben met his wife Nancy in 1964, they were married for 56 years. They were blessed to have 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He was an active member of St. James Presbyterian Church. He served as Elder, on the Breakfast Committee, Media Ministry and the Men's Council. His memories will be cherished by his 5 children; Tonya Burris-Green (Robert) of Arkansas, Russell Burris (Terri) of Greensboro, NC, Stephanie Burris Horton of Greensboro, NC, Paula Rives Smith (Floyd) of Gibsonville, NC and Victoria Hidge Witherspoon (Michael) of Greensboro, NC, 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

A service honoring his life will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at St. James Presbyterian Church; 820 Ross Ave. Greensboro, NC. Visitation will begin at 1pm with service following at 2pm.