Edward Riley, Jr.

Edward Riley Jr. was born on August 1, 1932, in Oakdale, LA to Edward Riley Sr. and Rosa (Means) Riley. He was the youngest of four children. The family moved to Alexandria, LA after his mother passed away, when he was three years old. He attended South Alexandria Grammar and Junior High School. His schooling was interrupted when he left home and joined the Army at the age of fifteen years old. He left the Army after two years and returned to Alexandria to complete his high school education at Peabody High School. He rejoined the Army and served in Japan for 4 years as an Honor Guard and Military Police. He was honorably discharged on November 19, 1953. He was proud of his miliary service and would often talk about his experiences.

After his discharge from the Army, he moved his family to California. He continued his education at Laney Jr. College (Oakland, CA) and received an Associate of Arts degree in Supervisory Management from Alameda City College (Alameda, CA). He also attended the Bay Cities Bible School in Oakland, CA.

Ed worked for the Departments of Army and Navy. During his career he received many awards and certificates of achievement in recognition of his outstanding service. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam as a civilian employee, to assist with the war efforts. He retired as a Supervisory General Foreman in 1987, after 40 years of government service.

Ed was devoted to church. He served as a Deacon at Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Oakland, CA, and President of the Men’s Brotherhood for the Bay Area District. He served as a Deacon at Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church and Third Baptist Missionary Baptist Church in Stockton, CA. He was a longtime member of Bible Study Fellowship. He was a faithful member of Progressive Community Church, serving in the Sunday School, Men’s ministries and Prayer ministry until his health declined. Ed was recently given the honor of Deacon Emeritus at Progressive Community Church. In his own words he stated: “First and foremost, I am a child of God. I had a vision of his love for me, and I accepted everything that God has done in my life”.

Ed was an active member of Keystone Lodge #14, Past Master of Fred C Brooks #60, Grand Inspector General of Consistory #25, Honorary Past Potentate of the Menelik #36 and Past Patron of the Pauline Dupree #55 and Queen of the West #9.

Ed was an avid golfer and loved spending time golfing with family and friends on golf courses all over the country. In 2006, he was so proud to be able to attend the prestigious Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, GA. He loved to bowl and play dominoes, as well.

Ed is preceded in death by his parents; Edward Sr. and Rosa Riley, brothers; Roosevelt Thomas and Joseph Thomas, sister; Louise Riley Stafford, son; Danny Riley and stepson–in-law; Ralph Cheadle.

He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Jeanne, Sons; Glenn Riley, Michael Riley and Tyrone Riley. Daughters; Yvonne Brewer, and Candace (Ivory) Dennis. Stepchildren; Karen Cheadle, Darryl (Lynette) Parker and Jeanne (Stanley) Hendrix. Seventeen grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Six step grandchildren, two step great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and the entire Progressive Community Church Family.

A Letter to My Husband

Hon,

Words cannot express how heartbroken I am. You have been a part of my life for 38 years, and I do not know what to do now. You treated me like a queen, remembering every birthday, Christmas, and our anniversaries. Valentines Day will never be the same, as you always saw to it that I had a box of my favorite Sees candy. We enjoyed cruising the Caribbean and Alaska, visits to Canada, Hawaii, Mexico and many other states. I am so grateful for the way you loved my family. You were a wonderful husband, and I thank God for sending you to me.

As I watched your illness take you away from me, I asked God to please not let you suffer. You tried not to complain, but I could see the weariness in your eyes. God finally answered my prayer, and now I will have to go on alone. You have been my rock, my best friend and my lover. Life will not be the same without you, but I will go on knowing that I will see you again on the other side. Goodbye for now.

Your loving wife,

Jeanne