FRANK J. RILEY, JR.

On April 8, 2020, God said “Well done, my good and faithful servant” to Frank Riley, Jr and called him home. Affectionately called “June“ by family and friends, Riley was known for his big smile, big personality and big heart. He died peacefully in his sleep after a brief illness. He was 81 years old.

Frank J. Riley, Jr was born to Frank J. Riley, Sr and Mildred Burgess Riley in Nash County, North Carolina where he received his formal education at Springfield High School in Nash County, North Carolina. Frank Jr followed in his brother Pete’s footsteps and joined the military.   He served in the US Army as a Grounds Radio Operations Supervisor and then in the US Air Force as an Administrative Technician before retiring with an honorable discharge as a Technical Sergeant after 20 years of service which included numerous tours of duty like Vietnam.  In addition, he received numerous commendations for his exemplary military service including the Air Force and Army Good Conduct Medals. Following his retirement from the military, Riley began a new career as an Administrative Specialist with the Texas Department of Human Services. Eventually, he retired after 15 years of faithful service to the Texas Department of Human Services.   

Riley was married to the love of his life Nealie Ruth Riley for 53 years and to this union four daughters were born. Full of energy and a great sense of humor, Riley also loved fishing, barbecuing and playing pinochle with his friends.

Next to spending time with his family, Riley’s greatest passion was singing.   Known for his rich tenor voice, Riley was a founding member of the acapella group and recording artists Atonement. He was also a featured singer with the Kindred Consort musical group as well as the Lilly of the Valley Missionary Baptist Church Men’s Chorus and the Second Baptist Church Chancel choir. He loved the Lord and was a faithful member of Lilly of the Valley Missionary Baptist Church and later Second Baptist Church both in San Antonio, Texas.    

Riley was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mildred Riley, brothers Lee Ernest (Pete), Charles, Willie and sister Mary. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife Ruth, daughters, Alma Reynolds (Michael), Mia, Shewanda, Natasha (Robert), six grandchildren, seven great – grandchildren; sisters Mildred Brown (Bobby), Lenora Dowdy (Thomas), brothers Sylvester Riley (Trina), Carlester  Riley (Barbara Ann), one beloved sister in law Bernice Riley and a host of nieces, nephews, friends,  extended family, especially the wonderful, caring family of Steven Owens.

Due to the current Coronavirus pandemic, the funeral service and interment will be private.