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Leonard RILEY Obituary
He was born in Gloucester County and graduated from Achilles High School in 1951. After High School he entered and later graduated from Newport News Apprentice School. After graduating, he served two years in the Army, and returned to work at the Shipyard, until he was called into full-time ministry.
He attended and graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and was called as the Senior Pastor of Restoration Church Phoebus Baptist in 1976. He has served as Pastor there for 36 years.
He loved his wife, as Christ loved the Church, he loved his family dearly, and he loved the Body of Believers at Restoration. His life was a testimony of a Living Savior, and he was always willing to share the saving knowledge of Christ, so that others would come to know his Savior as well. He is absent from us now, but truly present with the Lord.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur H. and Margaret T. Riley; brothers, Wilbur H. Riley Jr. and James David Riley.
He is survived by his loving wife, Kay Riley; brothers, William Thomas Riley and wife, Doris, Gordon P. Riley and wife, Ginger; sisters-in-law, Mary S. Riley, Brenda S. Riley; and a host of nieces and nephews that loved him so much.
Funeral services officiated by the Rev. Thomas Schutt, the Rev. David Bounds and the Rev. Samuel Mummert will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Restoration Church Phoebus Baptist, 508 Fox Hill Road, Hampton. Interment will follow in Rosewell Memorial Garden Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Restoration Church.
His wife wishes to thank Dr. Flemming and Dr. Miller and the caring staff from Sentara's Oncology Dept. as well as Dawn and all the other nurses from Heartland Hospice who made these last weeks much easier.
Arrangements are by Hogg Funeral Home and Crematory, Gloucester Point. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Leonard RILEY
MIke and Patti Fox
October 28, 2010
Dear Kay,
We heard of Bro. Leonard's home going and are so saddened for your loss. He was a wonderful man who worked tirelessly for his Savior. I can just imagine all of the people he is meeting in heaven who are there because he spoke to them of God's redeeming love. His legacy will go on eternally and we know that he is rejoicing in heaven today in unimaginable joy and peace. Mike and I were so blessed by our time under his ministry and counsel. Our marriage began with a firm foundation with his guidance and how do we say "thank you" for something as profound as that?
Our prayers remain with you dear Kay as you press on through your grief. Praise God we have the hope of a blessed reunion never to be parted again!
With deepest sympathy,
Mike and Patti Fox
Doris Poore Parrish
October 20, 2010
Although I do not personally remember him and I'm sure I am not remembered by the family, I am sending the sincere condolences of Joyce Poore Smith, Kenneth W. Poore, Millard B. Poore and Doris Poore Parrish, the children of Margaret Blake Poore on the passing of Leonard Day Riley. We all, of course, have heard of "Leonard Day" all our life and did visit cousins and other family members in Gloucester for many years and until our mother Margaret Blake Poore passed on to a better place. Again, may God be with you during this time of sorrow and give you the peace that passeth understanding.
Dr. Carl Coates
October 19, 2010
Dear Kay -
I regret to hear of the passing of Leonard. Now in the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus, who he served so faithfully for a lifetime, we can rejoice. As a young teenager, I wanted to be part of a youth group where I could grow in my Christian faith. At age 13, I joined Union Baptist Church. Leonard, then youth Director/Pastor, was one of the first persons I met. I knew from his loving embrace, this is where God wanted me to be. Leonard taught me to live the Christian faith by Example and to share a ompassionate love for others as Jesus taught us to do. Under Leonard’s leadership, I was given the Biblical building blocks that would lay a solid foundation for Christian service and ministry even to this day.I will always be grateful and thankful for his ministry in my life.
Kay - remember you have an extended Christian family that loves you and supports you with their thoughts and prayers. May God Bless you and touch your heart in a special way as only HE can. Because He Lives we can face each tomorrow. A warm embrace. Carl.
Maynard & Barb Correll
October 17, 2010
My Brother; you are now free indeed. You loved us and taught us how to love others unselfishly. Kay, cling to the One who will comfort you during this time in your life. We love you.
Stan & Delores Nabors
October 17, 2010
Kay, We just heard the sad news. While we have not seen Brother Leonard for many years, hearing the news of his passing still leaves us terribly sad. He was a special man and I have many wonderful memories of our times at Phoebus Baptist. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
John and Terrie Weaver
October 17, 2010
Kay,
Terrie and I send our condolences on your loss but rejoice that he is in the presence of the Lord. He ministered to us in ways that have impacted our family for 28 years. We would not be doing ministry today if he had not invested in us so many years ago. We will never forget him.
Lanette Boggess
October 16, 2010
I can see you basking in the glory of the God you loved so much as you now see Him face to face! Thank you for sharing His love with so many, thank you for being such an encouragement to us - you played such a significant role in our lives and the calling God has on us...we would not being doing ministry today if it were not for your influence in our lives. I love you Bro.Leonard. I'm so heart-broken we heard the news too late...
Kay - my heart grieves with you for your loss. May our God comfort you and give you peace as you walk through this season...
Jeff Boggess
October 16, 2010
Wow just learned of Bro Leonard's passing. What a great man of God and example of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. I will forever be thankful for the conversation I had with him on March 8, 1982. It was a conversation that changed my life forever. Because of his love for God and his commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ I will one day stand in eternity with him worshiping and praising our great God. Thank you Bro Leonard for your faithfulness and for your example of a godly man and husband!
Miss Kay - Lanette and I send you our love and prayers!
Tommy Reeps
October 16, 2010
This wonderful man of god has had a huge impact on our entire family. His grace and patience will never be forgotten. The Reeps and Baldwin family will always be in debt to him and David Bounds for their courage and wisdom
Randall P. Baldwin
October 16, 2010
I’m so sorry for your loss. He has always been part of the foundation that helped me be the person I am today. I will never forget him....he was a great man.
Jeanne Meadows
October 15, 2010
Kay,
Thank You so much for unselfishly sharing Leonard with all of us all these years. Even after Pastor tried to retire the first time you still unselfishly gave him up to us again.If one word was used to describe Leonard it would have to be Love. If there was one word to describ Kay it would be Virtuous. I love you. May the Lord bless you and shine his face upon you and give you peace.
Rick and Mary Lou Rogers
October 15, 2010
Dear Kay,
What a joyful celebration there must be in Heaven now that Bro Leonard has arrived. Like so many others, we owe a great part of our Christian testimony to you and Bro Leonard. He was there to share the Gospel, to lead us in the Word, to love us when we needed it most, and to guide us when we lost our way. Our faith, marriage, and family are stong today due to God's grace expressed through him. It was a privilege to share his birthday of July 31st. We pray God will mininster to you and sustain you in times ahead. We love you.
Gail & Christopher House
October 15, 2010
To Our Sister Church Family,
We celebrate the life and legacy of our dear Brother Leonard who is now with Jesus. May you be comforted in knowing that the relationship and bond of love made through Pastor Leonard and our dear Bishop House will always be cherished. Our friendship and fellowship will continue even the more as we build God's kingdom together. We love you and will always keep the covenant made through your gift to us. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. He will always take care of you!
Open Door Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Family
Robby Fortier
October 15, 2010
Miss Kay,
Dee and I were saddened when we heard of Leonard's passing. He was always there to greet us with so much love and happiness each time we saw him. I am so ever greatful to have known him in my life and I will miss him dearly. I hope God gives you comfort knowing that Brother Leonard is with his Lord and that his pain is forever gone. With our love and prayers...
Robby & Dee Dee
vickie allen
October 14, 2010
Mrs Kay,
Brother Leonard,will be missed.i know the Lord will give you the peace that you need.God Bless You,
Linda Stutt
October 14, 2010
Kay,
Billy and I are saddened at the passing of Brother Leonard but at the same time we can rejoice in knowing he is in the arms of our Savior,no more pain, he has a new body.I can see him now in the presence of the Lord singing and praising His name. We will all be reunited with him one day but until that time may God give you peace and comfort.
We love you so much.
Billy and Linda
Donna Wampler-Tucker
October 14, 2010
Dear Kay I am truely so sorry for your loss. You have been in my thoughts and Prayers for quite sometime now. I started attending Phoebus Baptist with my Aunt and Uncle Jim and Kay Wampler many years ago. You have been my Pastor since I can remember. I think I was about 7 0r 8 years. we joined the church as a family and you baptized us all. So many precious memories were at the old and new building. I pray for Gods comfort and love to surround you and your loved ones at this time. All my love .
Donna Wampler Tucker
Elfrieda Graves
October 14, 2010
Dear Sister Kay and family,
Your dear one is in a better place. I wish the best for you and yours.
Your sister in Jesus,
Elfrieda Graves (Lanny Bowman's Mom)
October 14, 2010
Dear Kay and family,
I am saddened to hear to Leonard's passing but rejoice that he is now with the Lord Jesus in heaven. The hymn writer said, "earth hath no sorrows that heaven cannot heal." Truly, Leonard is "absent from the body, present with the Lord."
May the comforting presence of the blessed Holy Spirit rest upon all of you. UNTIL . . . !
Charles Jones
Former Pastor, Union Baptist Church
October 14, 2010
Dearest Kay,
Your dear, sweet husband Brother Leonard was the most precious, kind, and loving Pastor I have ever known. His love for our Lord was so evident in all that he did. I'll never, ever forget the first time I saw him kneel to pray before his sermon, as he always did. That reverence and humbleness was so profound to me and just to think that he is now kneeling in the VERY PRESENCE of Jesus!
I pray for comfort for you that only God can give during your overwhelming sadness at the physical loss of your best friend and love of your life - his love for you was something no one could miss.
Praise God we know that we WILL meet again!
"Well done, thou good and faithful servant..."
Love,
Sherry Garcia Huycke
Lisa Tolley
October 13, 2010
Miss Kay,
I know you are missing Pastor Riley and I pray God will comfort you. He was the sweetest, most loving man. He always showed love. He is what Christ like means. He taught me and so many others how to be a Christian by his words, his sermons and his example. I know God is telling him, "Pastor Riley, a job well done."
Tracie Parker
October 13, 2010
Miss Kay, I pray that you will be comforted in the days to come. For as long as I can remember, Brother Leonard's face and smile have embodied God's message of love and he shared this message with everyone he met. I will miss him very much. I love you both!
Ruth Bodner
October 13, 2010
Ms. Kay: Jamie, myself, and Melody were deeply touched by Pastor Leonard's love and hugs. We were the "Jewish believers", but he made us feel like family. We love you and Pastor Leonard. May Yeshua meet all of your needs as I know He can. Shalom.
Debra Wallace
October 13, 2010
Mrs. Riley:
My heart is saddened by the death of Brother Leonard. I always enjoyed attending Church service with my sister, Pam McKenney and her husband, Pete when I came to Hampton for a family visit. I remember how kind Brother Leonard was and how he made me feel at home every time I visited. He was a man of God with deep convictions and I know that he will be missed by all that knew him. I pray that God will heal your heart and give you peace at this sad time in your life.
God bless you and your family.
Lori Haselden-Dameron
October 13, 2010
Ms.Kay we will all miss Pastor Riley. I was 20 years old when he came to Phoebus Baptist Church. I have never known a pastor like him before.We will be praying for you and your family. God bless you.
Debra Wallace
October 13, 2010
Mrs. Riley
I am so saddened to hear of the death of your husband. I remember the many times that I visited the Church with my sister Pam and her husband, Pete McKenney. I always enjoyed attending when I was in the area visiting my sister and her family. Brother Leonard always made me feel at home and a part of his congregation. I know the depth of your loss and know that God is keeping watch over you and your family at this time. My prayers for you and your family will be added to those that are being offered by many who knew and loved Brother Leonard and his family.
Lisa Ramsey
October 13, 2010
Mrs. Kay, I have loved you & Bro. Leonard from the first moment I met you. You are in my thoughts and prayers even more so as we say "until we meet again". I thank God for the example that Bro. Leonard set. His legacy will live on forever in our hearts.
Lisa Ramsey
Heather Moses
October 13, 2010
I consider it an honor that Brother Leonard was my first Pastor and he will always be remembered that way. People in Lynchburg don't hug like the Restoration folk do and they learned it from Brother Leonard! Kay, my prayers and love are with you.
Tiki Joyner Nutter
October 13, 2010
A true man of God that loved everyone in his own special way, always there for my family through thick and thin. Bro. Leonard, my pastor since I was 13 yrs old will truely be missed. Lots of loving memories go way back in the old Phoebus Baptist Church off Mallory St will never be forgotten. Love to Kay and may the Lord give her strength through this difficult time. Tiki Joyner Nutter
Elaine Strickland
October 13, 2010
Dearest Kay my thoughts and prayers are with you to feel Gods loving arms around you. I can only imagine just what he will experence looking into Gods beautiful face and hearing "WELL DONE THY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SEARVANT."
What rejoicing there was in heaven that appointed time to go and received all his rewards and know we will see him again.
Peter McKenney
October 13, 2010
There has never been a pastor like Brother Leonard. My life has not been the same since the day I walked into PBC and met a man who understood how much people matter. Ms. Kay, my family loves you so much and we pray that God will meet your every need and fill you with the Grace of His presence.
Robert Whitley
October 13, 2010
Kay,
Leonard and I met as young apprentice machinist and worked together in various capacities for years until he left for seminary. His love of his Lord was profound and he was a living witness to all he came in contact with. He had a pure sense of humor and his laugh was infectious.
Jo and I send our condolences to you and the family.
Pete & Pam McKenney
October 13, 2010
Kay:
Pete & I are so sorry for the loss of Bro. Leonard. We loved him so, he baptized us, Peter & Andi. The hugs he gave them as children grew to the love he showed them as adults. Sprague & Ailey have grown to love those hugs as well. He will be deeply missed by us, his flock and by you, his love. I know he truly enjoyed getting my messages on the mail when I worked midnights, he would tell me everytime one came in. I will always love him and will look forward to seeing him on the otherside and lovingly call him Bro. We love you and as always are there for you. Pete & Pam
Terry & Carol Lockwood
October 13, 2010
Ms Kay, We are sorry we cannot be there for you but our hearts and prayers are always with you. May God give you the peace and understanding during this trial. Paster Leonard was the best paster any one could ever have. Memories of him will never be forgotten. His prayers were so sweet, and you knew everything he did was for the Lord. He was no doubt a Godly man that we all strive to be like each day. It was a blessing to have him in our lives and will be a blessing to see him again. May God comfort you and give you strength to continue His work. Bless you always.
Sara Spies
October 13, 2010
My family prayers and thoughts are with you all. Brother Leonard was always such an amazing man and loved everyone so very much! He will be missed. God Bless Brother Leonard. Sincerely, Sara Hobson-Spies
October 13, 2010
Dear Mrs. Kay,
On behalf of the more than 560 churches that comprise the SBC of Virginia, I express our deepest sympathies.
May our Lord soothe your heart and give you peace.
Pastor Riley was beloved across our convention. He was a leader among leaders. May the knowledge of our admiration for Pastor Riley and you bring you added joy at the time of his homegoing.
In Christ,
Dr. Jeff Ginn
Executive Director
SBCV
October 13, 2010
Kay, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time in your life.
I still think of our days at Achilles.
May God bless you and I know his memories will remain with you forever.
Leonard was so handsome and I still think of him from our school days.
Sincerely.
Peggy Williams Douglas
Hayes, Va
The Exford Family
October 13, 2010
We have always loved and cherised Pastor Leonard. He was a shining example of the love of Christ towards our family. He empowered us through the word of God and his selfless actions. Our family will always thank God for the years he was our shepherd while living in VA. Although we moved over 15 years ago, he has remained dear to all our hearts. Pastor Leonard was a very special man whose life touched others and left him unforgettable. We will be praying for you, Kay, and your family. We love you.
Harry, Barbara, Terry, Brandon, and Amanda
Holly Phillips
October 13, 2010
Dearest Miss Kay,
I know your sorrow must be great, but I pray Jesus will comfort your heart deeply and fill it with joy unspeakable as you recall the countless memories of him and how faithful he was to you, the Bride of Christ Jesus and to the lost sheep. My heart is with you, and will be with you on Friday as all those who knew him will gather to say Goodbye. He meant a great deal to me, as he represented to me a Father's loving heart. Thank you for being willing to share him with all of us... We are sincerely grateful. Holly Phillips, Denver, Colorado.
Damon & Rebecca Heemstra
October 13, 2010
Bro Leonard touched the lives of all those he came in contact with. We send our love and prayers to your entire family.
Anne Loyd
October 13, 2010
Hi, Kay, I will sorely miss him after all these years I hate the thought of doing without him, as I know you do too. I love you, Always Anne
Barbara Hobson
October 13, 2010
Bro. Leonard was a truly great man who made everyone feel loved. He will be missed.
October 13, 2010
Dear Kay, My heart and prayers are with you. Bro. Leonard will truly be missed by so many. The flock that he tended to for so many years will miss him. He was so in love with the Lord and it showed. He is in one of those mansions that God Promised waiting for those that he has led to the Lord. Take comfort in knowing that he is in no pain.
Love You K. wilson Ft. Wayne In
Kay Wilson
October 13, 2010
Dear Kay, My heart is with you and your family. Bro. Leonard was a true believer and a great leader of his flock. He will truly be missed. I know he is in one of the mansions that he was promised.
Love you
Kay Wilson Ft. Wayne Indiana
Peter James
October 13, 2010
Mrs. Riley,
I had just recently met your husband but after a few minutes, found him to be most kind. Even recent emails between us made me feel like we had been friends for years. Please accept my condolences and may the Lord give you comfort in your time of loss.
Ron Whitley
October 13, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of Pastor Leonards passing.He was a great man of God and will be truly missed.He has just finnished the race ahead of us and we look forward to seeing him again sitting next to the father.I had the pleasure of having Leonard pastor my whole family.Kay ,Teri and I will be praying for you durring this time .
Diana Lewis
October 13, 2010
There is no man more precious than Pastor Leonard. What an example of the love of Jesus. The lives he touched will never be the same. I know mine won't. He will be so greatly missed. The void of such a godly person is a large one. Kay, I love you and I know you will miss him too.
October 13, 2010
Kay, I spoke with Fay last night and ask her to give you my
deepest condolences. You and all family members are in
my prayers and thoughts. Take care of yourself, Love, Rebecca Hawes, Shallotte, N C.
Fred & Bonnie Everett
October 13, 2010
Pastor Leonard was the epitomy of a pastor. His pastor's heart was always for his flock. He was always there and always caring. He will be greatly missed. It may be a very long time before we meet another Man of God like him. Brother, I anticipate the day we meet again! We love you, Kay, we love you and are here for you. Love Fred and Bonnie Everett and Family.
Jerry & Wanda German
October 13, 2010
Dear Kay,
You are in our hearts and prayers. You and Pastor Leonard will always be remembered for the blessing you were to our family while you were at Ebenezer. God truly used both of you to minister to so many people during Pastor Leonard's time of service.
October 13, 2010
Sweet Sister: Praying for strength and comfort for you from the Lord of all Peace. " Let not your heart's be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." John 14:2 You are loved so much!!
Ron & Stacey Magoon
Keith and Julie Harris
October 13, 2010
We have good memories of a great man. Our thoughts are with the family.
Love,
Betsy Burgis
October 13, 2010
Brother Leonard was a gentle giant in my world as a child. His hugs were ones that we raced for and the love that he showed toward children impacted my view of importance. He is truly missed and I'm so grateful that he is now rejoicing w/ the angels before our mightly God. Until we see you again ~ (Betsy Correll Burgis)
October 13, 2010
Dear Kay,
Take comfort in knowing that you have a guardian angel watching over you. We are so sorry for your loss. Leonard was such an inspiration to me. I will never forget the faith and trust he had in me during our working years in the shipyard.
God Bless you.
Jim & Frances Tomlin
Aiken, SC
October 13, 2010
Our love and prayers go out to each of you in this sad time. He served our Lord faithfully and we have been blessed to have known his family.
Marvin & Jean Brown
Sylvia Smith
October 13, 2010
Kay:
I just want you to know that our family is praying for you as you face the difficult days ahead. I knew Pastor Leonard through my dad, Willard Dutton. He really thought a lot of Pastor Leonard. He will be missed by a lot of people but I know the Lord will comfort you and give you strength as you go on. Just think, Pastor Leonard is with Jesus right now and he is whole and free. God Bless you and keep you. Sylvia Dutton Smith and family.
Carolyn Weaver
October 13, 2010
Brother Leonard touched many lives. He gave so much to his church family. If you needed someone to talk to Brother Leonard was always there. I wish for Kay strength, peace, and joy in all the memories of your remarkable husband.
Donna Zellner
October 13, 2010
You taught us how to love by showing us your unconditional love. You taught us how to serve by serving us faithfully. You showed us leadership by leading through difficult times. Now the torched is being passed and we must know be the leaders. Thank you for your patience and being with us until God decided your work was done and called his faithful servant home. We love you.
Darlene Strickland Bristow
October 13, 2010
Dearest Kay,
There are no words to give you the comfort that I know you need at this time, but I do pray that the Lord wraps His loving arms around you and gives you the peace that passes even your own understanding. Your best friend, soul mate and earthly protector is at home and is whole and healthy once again. I know that the Angels rejoiced this morning as he entered into his final heavenly home. They really did receive one of their finest today. I know that you will be reunited with him again and will worship the Lord forever.
God Bless You and Keep You Kay,
Darlene Strickland Bristow
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