Michael Lynwood Rilee

Michael Lynwood Rilee peacefully departed at 1:22 AM on September 20, 2025, with his wife of 59 years, Joanne Rowen, surviving him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ella and Arthur Rilee, and his son, Robert Lynwood Rilee. He began working at his father's sawmill with his younger brother when he was eight years old. His first task was to shovel sawdust from beneath the edger saw table. A graduate of West Point High School and Emory & Henry College, he served four years in the U.S. Navy as a SEABEE. He retired from Dominion Power after twenty-six years of service and worked for the Virginia Electric Cooperative following his retirement. 

He had a compassionate and generous nature, always making an effort to show kindness to others. He appreciated the small things that brought joy and shared them with those around him. He's a gearhead with many interests, including travel, woodworking, mechanical projects, reading, historical research, and video games. He enjoyed watching old movies, golf, car racing, Redskins football, and Yankee baseball on the television. Known as Grumpaw, he loved spending time with his grandchildren and their grandmother, Memaw, more than anything else.

He is survived by two sons, Michael Lee (and wife Monica) and William Joseph "Joe" (and wife Rachel), along with his sole and favorite daughter, Donna deShields (and partner Nicholas). He takes pride in his ten grandchildren, the youngest of whom is his cherished granddaughter, Emmy Dove. 🕊

He left West Point, but West Point never left him.

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Michael wished to be remembered not with a service, but through support for a cause close to his heart. To celebrate his life and legacy, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in his name to I AM ALS. Your generous contribution helps I AM ALS provide essential resources and accelerate the search for effective treatments and a cure. It is important to note that his namesake is currently battling ALS, making this cause even more significant to the family.

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