David Norris Reilly

Wagener – Mr. David Norris Reilly, 84, entered into rest Monday, February 13, 2023. 

David is the husband of Patricia Ann Flin Reilly.  They have been married for 58 years.  He is the father of Graham Thomas William Reilly of Phoenix, AZ and Lesli Clare Reilly of Wagener.  David is the son of the late Mildred Clare Grunewald Reilly and the late Thomas Michael Reilly.  He is the brother of the late Judy Ann Reilly.  He is survived by his stepmother Medra Reilly of Wenatchee, Washington. 

After graduating from Whitman College, Washington, with a BA in Mathematics/Physics, he moved across country to Columbia University graduating with a B.S in Flight Science.  He also spent a year abroad at the Institute Von  Karman, Belgium receiving a MS in Experimental Aerodynamics.  David worked for several aircraft companies before deciding to go back to school day & night for an MBA, which he achieved in 6 months.  He joined IMB World Trade and was seconded as Educational Consultant to the Graduate School of Business in Lagos, Nigeria as a visiting professor for 2 years. Returning to the US, he concentrated on Marketing, building a Training company from scratch which was ultimately sold.  He concluded his career as Marketing Director with first Bull HN Information Systems and finally with EMC2.

David retired to Green Valley, AZ where 12 years was spent before joining his daughter on her farm in Wagener, SC for the last 4 years.  David discovered the Coventry Foundation in Columbia that housed all things Jaguar, so he quickly volunteered and became a staple.  He would spend many hours volunteering, doing research and contributing to the Foundation’s archives.  He also enthusiastically worked on the farmland and spent many hours on his beloved tractor.

David’s pride and joy was his 1967 Jaguar S-type, owned since new.  He was its sole mechanic and caretaker.  The ‘S’ won multiple accolades and trophies all over the US and was featured in many magazines and calendars.  David’s most recent adventure was adding a tow hitch and custom-built trailer to the Jag to bring along a newly restored 1928 BSA motorcycle to all the events.  Nothing brought him more enjoyment than sharing with others his passion and knowledge of cars, motorcycles and anything mechanical.    

In lieu of flowers please make memorials to: FOTAS – Friends of the Animal Shelter, PO Box 2207, Aiken SC 29802 or online http://www.fotasaiken.org.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Blizzard Funeral Home Chapel.  During visitation at 3:00 pm there will be a time of remembrances and sharing stories.  If you are unable to attend, please share your remembrances with David's family on the Tribute Wall.  

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