Celebrating a Century of Care: Riley’s Drugs Marks 100 Years in Lexington
In the heart of Lexington, a grand celebration took place recently as the beloved community pharmacy, Riley’s Drugs, marked an incredible milestone: 100 years of dedicated service! Loyal staff and customers came together to pay tribute to a legacy that started with a humble dream and has grown to be a cherished part of the community.
A Journey Through Time
Riley’s Drugs owes its name to the late Dr. Sid Riley, an orphan from Batesburg who graduated from the MUSC College of Pharmacy in 1921. Dr. Riley opened his first pharmacy in the Red Bank Mill village of Lexington in 1924, paving the way for a future of caring and commitment to health.
Unfortunately, in the 1940s, disaster struck when lightning struck the pharmacy, resulting in a fire that left it in ruins. But with resilience, Dr. Riley rebuilt the pharmacy in 1947 on Columbia Avenue, where it continued serving the community.
The Next Generation
In 1967, a young pharmacist named Bob Perry, who had just graduated from the USC College of Pharmacy, started his journey at Riley’s Drugs. His daughter, Roberta Vining, now the current owner and pharmacist, shared a heartwarming story about her father’s early days at the pharmacy.
“Dr. Riley checked my dad and his family out… All while asking him to measure out talcum powder as a way of testing him,” Roberta recalls fondly. Bob Perry eventually became a partner and took over the pharmacy in 1982 after Dr. Riley’s passing. It was a transition filled with nostalgia and passion for patient care.
Continuing the Legacy
Roberta’s journey at Riley’s began in high school, where she embraced the lessons of compassion and customer service that Dr. Riley and Bob Perry instilled in her. “I have a strong desire to take care of folks and give exceptional customer service because that was instilled in me from the beginning,” says Roberta. She emphasizes the importance of knowing their patients—caring for their health and well-being with personalized attention.
Located today at 1207 West Main Street in Lexington, Riley’s Drugs offers a wide range of services from filling prescriptions to health consultations. They pride themselves on being a sort of healthcare hub where customers can find not only medications but also vitamins, supplements, and even pet medications.
A Celebration to Remember
This month, Riley’s partnered with the Lexington Chamber to commemorate their century-long dedication to the community. The celebration was filled with laughter and love, as generations of customers came together. Roberta proudly shared that among the attendees were a 94-year-old patient and a four-month-old baby, showcasing the pharmacy’s impact across generations.
During the festivities, the Lexington Town Council presented Riley’s Drugs with a key to the town, acknowledging their commitment and contribution to the community over the past century. “We have such a great history to look back on, and we’re looking forward to the next 100 years,” said Vining, full of hope for the future.
Looking Ahead
As the sun shines down with highs reaching around 85°F and gentle winds from the south-southwest, one can feel the warmth of the Riley’s Drugs family in the air. With a low of 68°F expected tonight, it’s a perfect evening for celebrating the bonds formed over decades.
In a world that often feels rushed, Riley’s Drugs stands as a beacon of warmth and care. They’re not just a pharmacy; they’re a community hub where friendships have blossomed, and lives have been changed for the better. Here’s to Riley’s Drugs—congratulations on your incredible 100-year journey! We can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds.
