Memorial trees planted for:

Dr. David Eugene Rivers

In profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Dr. David Eugene Rivers, age 78 of Fayetteville, Georgia on Friday, February 4, 2022, at his residence. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2022, 11:00 AM at Saint Philip AME Church, Atlanta, Georgia. Interment will follow at Southview Cemetery, Jonesboro, Georgia. Face masks are required along with social distancing due to COVID-19. David Eugene Rivers was born on June 7, 1943 to Joseph and Lorine Rivers. He was the second of five children. His mother, father and brother, Ronald, preceded him death. David was born to be a leader. The midwife told his parents that he was born with veil over his face and that he was destined for greatness. He grandfather called him Professor from the age of 2 and he did not disappoint. His formative years were spent in North Charleston and Moncks Corner, South Carolina and after moving to Atlanta he later attended Howard High in Atlanta, Georgia where he graduated in 1963. He enlisted in the Army and served at various military installations throughout the world. Even though David was not the oldest in the family, he was the self appointed leader. He could not tolerate mediocrity and encouraged young people to educate themselves. He would help you formulate and believe in your dreams. If you had a resume, he would assist you with finding a career. David socialized with dignitaries while still being accepted by the people from Liberty Hill. He made his enemies his friends. He was tough without apology and gentle when he needed to be. He donated to worthy causes, local churches and funerals without boasting or even remembering. His friends and associates would all agree that he was the ultimate host. Fine dining and cooking were his passion. He gave many of his recipes for collards cooked with wine and Aunt Bell’s pound cake. David loved art (Jonathan Green) and music (Gregory Porter). When he became terminally ill, he moved to Atlanta to be with is family. He loved Charleston, but considered Atlanta home because his family lived there. He leaves to mourn his brothers, Edward (Lottie) Rivers and Gerald Rivers; sister, Sandra Thomascena (Willie) Middleton; Companion, Joyce Green; special niece, Tiffany (Harold) Williams; son, Darwin Rivers and a number of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Life Reflections Dr. David E. Rivers, Professor in the Academic Affairs Faculty Department and founding Director of the Public Information and Community Outreach Initiative (PICO) at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston, died peacefully with his family around him in Atlanta, Georgia on February 4, 2022. Dr. Rivers earned undergraduate degrees in Urban Affairs, political science and Public Administration at Georgia State University. He was a graduate of the National Urban Fellows Program in Public Administration at Yale University and a graduate of the Riley Institute Diversity Leadership Program at Furman University. He was a charter member of Georgia State University’s first black Greek organization, Alpha Phi Alpha, Incorporated which was chartered in 1968. Before beginning his professional career, Dr. Rivers served three years in the U.S. Army. He joined the Medical University’s faculty in 1995 and served in many distinguished capacities, promoting partnerships between academic institutions, government agencies, elected officials, business industry, faith-based groups, and community activists to build healthier communities. He served as Principal Investigator, administering over $20 million in sponsored funding during his career, and was a collaborator in securing funding for over $100 million in national, state, and local programs. Under his leadership, the PICO Initiative conducted nationwide Community Leaders Institutes to address the impact of health disparities and environmental justice issues in low-income, ethnic minority communities and other underserved populations. Community Leaders Institutes addressing health, energy and national security were produced by South Carolina Educational Television and televised to national ardencies and were award-winning programs. In recognition of his work on climate change and its impacts across the United States, Rivers received multiple nominations and won a Bronze Telly Award for the highest viewership of a televised program produced by Educational Television. Rives led planning and execution of the National Conference on Health Disparities, for nearly two decades, which provided a national dialogue to share progress in building healthy communities from 2007 through 2021. The Conference grew under his leadership and sharpened its focus on the role of social determinants of health, including the impacts of environmental injustice, poverty, educational attainment, housing quality, public safety, as well as mental health, substance abuse and human trafficking as public health issues. Dr. Rivers was Atlanta’s first African American Commissioner of Budget and Planning under Mayor Maynard Jackson. He held leadership positions on the Atlanta Regional Commission, at Georgia State University, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Energy and headed the Department of Human Services (DHS) in the District of Columbia Government under Mayor Marion Barry. DHS provided both health and social services to District of Columbia residents. With 7,000 employees and a budget of close to $1 billion, it was the city’s largest department, and during his time as director, Rivers was credited with bringing its massive budget under control. In 2003, Rivers became the first African American to hold a citywide elected office in Charleston, South Carolina. He served as a Commissioner of Public Works for the City of Charleston since 2003 where he also served as Vice Chairman and Chairman. He was re-elected unopposed in 2015, and 2021. Dr. Rivers served as Board Chairman of the National Urban Fellows. A proud graduate and strong supporter of the program, he raised funds to help support the 40 fellow being placed each year and reached out personally to his many contacts around the country, to help find placements for Fellows. He also served Chairman of the James E. Clyburn Research and Scholarship Foundation. He was President of the Jonathan Green Foundation and was Vice Chairman of the Sea Island Comprehensive Health Care Corporation. Rivers was a long-time member of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators, where he served on its Board of Directors and was awarded its highest award, the Marks of Excellence, “For Public Service Leadership”. He also was a member of the American Water Works Association and Water Environment Federation. Dr. Rivers served on the Board of the South Carolina Aquarium, My Brother’s Keeper and the 100 Black Men of Charleston, South Carolina. He was also a member of the National Council of La Raza, California State University Center for Latino Community Health in Monterey Bay, California; Allen University Board of Trustees; the Congressional Black Caucus Institute’s 21st Century Council, Executive Committee; the Advisory Board of Charleston’s First Reliance Bank and the Trident Urban League. He also served as a Board Member of the Trident Urban League, the Community Foundation and the Charleston Regional Development Alliance. “Just a poor country boy trying to do the Lord’s work.” Acknowledgements We, the family of Dr. David Rivers would like to express our deepest appreciation for all the kind expressions of compassion extended throughout our time of bereavement.

June 7, 1943 - February 4, 2022

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Tribute Store

February 13, 2022

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Dr. David Eugene Rivers has been arranged by Tribute Store. Plant a tree

Heartfelt condolences to the Rivers' family. May David's spirit soar high above the trees watching over those he loved! He will be sorely missed! RIP

Rev. Dr. Myrtle Patricia Jones

February 11, 2022

The planting of 3 memorial trees in the honor of Dr. David Eugene Rivers has been arranged by Rev. Dr. Myrtle Patricia Jones. Plant a tree

Dr. David Rivers will remain in our hearts forever. We cherish his kindness, humor, and tender heart for others. Freddie, Pat, Yolanda & Matt Jones

Lance and Adrienne Wright

February 09, 2022

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Dr. David Eugene Rivers has been arranged by Lance and Adrienne Wright. Plant a tree

To our good friend and my mentor. You will always be in our thoughts, heart and memories..

Michael & Wanda Stover

February 08, 2022

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Dr. David Eugene Rivers has been arranged by Michael & Wanda Stover. Plant a tree

Dave, A life well lived. Rest now soldier.

Michael & Wanda Stover

February 08, 2022

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Dr. David Eugene Rivers has been arranged by Michael & Wanda Stover. Plant a tree

In loving memory of Dr. David E. Rivers for your friendship, generosity, mentoring, and always having our backs. A Phi A GSU 69'

Viola J. Keyes

February 08, 2022

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Dr. David Eugene Rivers has been arranged by Viola J. Keyes. Plant a tree

To the family of David: Please know he was loved and will be greatly missed. May he rest in Gods loving arms.

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