Willie Riley, a beloved patriarch, devoted friend, and a man of steadfast faith, peacefully entered eternal rest on June 18, 2026, at his home. He was born on August 2nd, 1930, in Crawford, Mississippi, to the late Joe and Elizabeth Riley. Willie lived a life marked by love, dedication, and selfless service. At an early age, he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and later united with Fourth Street M.B. Church under the leadership of Doctor Jimmy L. Rice, where he faithfully nurtured his spiritual walk. A proud United States Army Veteran, Willie served his country with honor and distinction. Following his military service, he devoted more than thirty years of dedicated employment to Edison Shoes before retiring.

Willie’s legacy is founded on the love he shared with his family, friends, and community. He was a caringWORD father, brother, grandfather, and loyal friend whose kindness and wisdom touched countless lives.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy Mae Riley; daughters, Cynthia and Theresa Riley; his parents, Joe and Elizabeth Riley; his grandparents, Joe and Polly Crawford, George and Jane Riley; his siblings, Joe Lee Riley, Mel Riley, Roosevelt Riley, Lourine Brown, and Charlene Riley; his grandson, Robert Neal Jr.; and stepchildren, Steven Riley and Barbara Riley-Hicks.

He leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories: to be treasured by his devoted children, Janice (Ray) Smith of Bloomington, Illinois; Willie (Maurice) Riley of Columbus, Mississippi; Michelle Burks of Little Rock, Arkansas and Jackie Riley of Chicago, Illinois. He is also survived by his step-children, Shelia Riley, Brenda Evans, and Tommy Riley of Starkville, Mississippi, Cassandra Evans of Atlanta, Georgia, and Bernadette Riley of St. Louis, Missouri, along with his beloved sister, Leatha Dell Bowen of St. Louis, Missouri; one aunt, Ruby Turner of St. Louis, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Lordine Peterson of Shreveport, Louisiana and Thelma Evans of Starkville, Mississippi, and one brother-in-law, Jesse Lee Evans; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.