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Willie Riley Obituary
Pastor Willie Riley, Jr.
Sept. 4, 1934 - Jan. 22, 2024
RACINE - Pastor Willie Riley, Jr., age 89, peacefully passed away on January 22, 2024. Combined Services will be held on Monday, February 5, 2024 at Searching, Together Baptist Church, 825 21st Street. Visitation from 10 AM - 11 AM. Funeral at 11 AM.
Services Entusted to: Reid's New Golden Gate Funeral Home, 2300 DeKoven Avenue, Racine, WI.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Willie Riley
The Green and Martin Family
November 20, 2024
I can remember back in the days Rev Riley and my dad Deacon Green would be talking and they would break out laughing. Rev Riley was a very strong man of god. He always carried a smile and never met a stranger. The world has lost a true man of god. May god bless his family in their time of need. Amen
Barbara Summerall
February 9, 2024
My deepest condolences to the entire Riley family. Your family was my family as all of us children grew up together there at Greater St. Luke. Rest in peace Pastor Riley. May the holy spirt come quickly to comfort all the family and friends that honored you most. God bless.
Mr. John (Phynell) Branch and the Andrews siblings
February 7, 2024
To the Family, you are in our prayers. Rev. Riley truly was a man of God. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to know him. He was good to my mother Bessie Andrews. May God continue to bless the family and all that had a opportunity to know him.
Rev, David Green
February 6, 2024
My sincere condolences to the family. Rev. Riley served God well. Praying for God's comfort, strength, and peace for the family
Minister Milton & Georgann F Dockery
February 6, 2024
Prayers and blessings to the family.
Deacon and Pastor Braylock
February 5, 2024
We love and appreciate the creator for his loaning of the great and most right reverend, Pastor Willie Riley Jr. My husband and I are grateful to have knowing him all these years. He was my bestfriend Emma´s uncle. He will already be remembered for his kind and gracious spirit and is unchanging demeanor when it came to life. God bless you and reach out and touch somebody´s hand.
Pamela McCoy and Family
February 5, 2024
It was because of Rev. Riley faith in the lord. I found faith. May you soar with the angels.
CHRISTINE BOOKER
February 5, 2024
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Brenda Butler
February 5, 2024
My condolences and prayers to the Family.
Jozell and Jimmy Davies
February 5, 2024
Sending healing prayers and comfort to Pastor Riley's family during this difficult time. Pastor Riley will be dearly missed.
Paula Boykin
February 5, 2024
Condolences to the family keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers
Carmen Boswell
February 5, 2024
Mother Riley and Family,
My heart is saddened by your loss (our loss) and my thoughts and prayers are with you. ONLY God knows what you are feeling in this moment and only He can restore your spirit. May you find solace in His eternal promises.
Rev Riley (Pops) was a blessing to ALL that knew him.
Deacon Willie and Daris Hodges
February 5, 2024
Our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Rev Riley. May God strengthen you all during your time of need. Rev.Riley was surely a Golden Jubilee and his voice will sing in our hearts forever.
Joanne Powell
February 4, 2024
Condolences to the Riley family. RIP...Rev Riley.
Ronnie & Teresa McMorris
February 4, 2024
Our condolences to the entire family, to mention Rev Riley's name brings a smile to our face, because he treat people with love & respect, Ronnie & I LOVE him dearly. We are praying for you family.
Armintta Franklin
February 4, 2024
I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the family of Pastor Riley. Pastor Riley will be remembered for being a great vocalist, but more importantly a man of God. Oh what a time the Heavenly Choir is having now that Rev. Riley has joined them. While here on earth, you and the Golden Jubilees blessed our hearts and soul with songs of Praise. Rev. Riley was a pillar in the Racine, and left an indelible mark on the community. Thank you Mother Riley and family for sharing Rev. Riley with us. May God comfort your hearts as you journey through life without your beloved husband, father, and grandfather!
Carolyn Vinson
February 4, 2024
Prayer For Mother Riley Our South Eastern Wisconsin Beloved Pastors Rile Rest On, Pastor He Was Her Help Mate Both Was So Wonderful To Me All Because Of The Bible And Love Of God They Shared With Me, Praying For His Riley Families, Reality, Friends, Neighbors, Churche Members,Visting Churches With Other Pastors And Ministers
And Governments Leader That Fellowshiping With Him At His Church Or In Our Communities Left A Great Impact On Our Heart And Mind With So Many History Maken Memories Being Part Of Black History As Well, A Well Known Pator Of South Eastern Wisconsin With His Beautiful Wife As Mother Alice Riley I Use To Work With Her At Westview Nurseing Home As A Dietary Aid In The Kitchen In 1979 She Is Still Sweet I Know Her Kindness Meant The World To Me Working In The Kitchen Togetherness I Use To Walk Home From Work Somtime She Use To Ask Me Did I Need A Ride Home And I Saided Yes She Said Come On The City Buses Didnt Run Lated At Night Nor On A Sunday This Is When She Introduced Me To Her Husban Pastor Riley I Met Both Of Them Given Me A Ride Home From Work I Tried To Give Them Gas Money They Wouldnt Take It From Me By Telling Them Thank And I Thank The Lord Our For Both Of You, Evertime We Meet Up In Our Communities At A Event Or At A Church Sometime, We Give Each Other A Hug With A Handshake ,We Startedd Of Talking About The Good Old Church Going Days When We First Met Than He Told Me That He Was Working On Finding A Church Building By Astablishing A Church In 1979 Or 1980 And When He Found One Mother Riley Came In The Kitchen Letten Me Know I Saided See What The Lord Our God Have Done By Answering Prayer I Was So Excited Happy For Them By Given Her A Big Hug,You Talking About Can Sing And Preach The Old Time Church Going Way What A Blessing, I Told Him That I Am From Mississippi, We All Talked About Those Bad Slavery Days And Old School UpBringing Way When The Rod Of Corrections Didnt Get By With Our Parent And Grand Parents Older Peoples And School By Teaching Us How To Use Our Comming Since First By Staying Out Of Trouble We All Use To LoL At Many Things We Saided, I Wont Never Forget The Godly Love And Friendship We Share amWith Each Other By Talking About The Lord Our God Bible Scripture With Encouragement Wors, Fly Away To Your Brand New Heavly Home Got On Your Angle Wing Now You Are Healed Now No More Emotional And No More Physical Pain, Your Journaling In Life Will Forever Speak For You
Still Gong Too Soon See You Again Pators Riley In Heavenly Place One Of My Gloryfied Flight With My Heavenly Angle Wing
Love You Always Mother Alice Riley Hugging You With All Of Godly Love With Prayer Your Kindness With Pastor Riley Havent Never Been Forgotten By Me Will Forever Be Missing Out Our Neighbors Communities Spot Light He Was A Great Light Rest On Pastor Riley, ❤ 1/4/24 Sunday Carolyn64
Ms. Lorraine Gardner
February 3, 2024
My heartfelt prayers and condolences to the Riley family. Pastor Riley started me on my spiritual journey. Although I may have strayed over the years, I never forgot the beginning. May you be at peace and rest in heaven.
Denise Schatzman
February 3, 2024
We remember always enjoying being in the presence of Cousin Will. We talked and laughed at many Bland Family Reunions! His kindness and sweet spirit will be missed by many. My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to the family and all who loved him during this difficult time. May God's Love, Peace and Comfort be with you all. Denise and Vicki (Carrie Louise Bland Heisser’s daughters).
Mary "Toon" Tanton
February 3, 2024
Dear Riley Family, Sending love your way! May God give you the strength, comfort and peace as only He can. Heartfelt prayers, Love Aunts, Toon Tanton and Katie Hooper & Families
Mr.&Mrs. Lee and Francine and Myles Strong
February 2, 2024
Rev. Willie Riley Jr. Was (is)a wonderful uncle always a great spirit up-lifting greetings conversations when ever you saw him. I will truly miss him. Aunt (Mother) Alice Riley and family sending our love and condolences ♥ Mr. & Mrs. Strong and Great-nephew Myles
Selina ruffin, and lula smith
February 2, 2024
I would like to extend my condolences to the entire riley family. Reverend riley will be truely missed. I will always cherish our bowling days together.
Linda Chambliss
February 2, 2024
THANK YOU PASTOR FOR LOVING US ALL. R.I.P. TO THE FAMILY OUR PRAYS ARE WITH YOU ALL.
Clarence L Bland
February 1, 2024
Mr Clarence L Bland and Wife (Ora Bland)
Cousins of Rev Riley, extend our greatest Sympathy and Prayers for Our Family in the loss of Our Loved One.
Dinita Tobias
February 1, 2024
To the entire Riley family you have my condolences and Pray that Our God will continue to give you the comfort, joy and peace you all need. We serve a Loving God that will see you thru this storm too. Love you all, Dinita, LaKeisha and LaRita.
Vernell Wilkerson
February 1, 2024
My sincere condolences to my family. To Aunt Alice and all of my cousins I am praying that God will bless each of you with the comfort and peace that you'll need during this time. Pastor (Uncle Will) Willie Riley, Jr. will truly be missed, but we will never forget his special characteristics of giving encouragement and concern for others, love, and a beautiful smile. Great memories will be cherished!
Amelia And Her Family Cook
February 1, 2024
My Condolences to the family and his many friends you will be miss
Tonya Wilson/Wray Family
January 31, 2024
First Lady Riley, Enova, Cindy, & the entire Riley family, Prayers are going up for strength as you prepare to celebrate a life well-lived, a wonderful man, a true servant of God! My you find peace in the precious memories and cherish the great legacy that Pastor Riley leaves. May God Bless You all. Love, your extended family. Tonya Wilson and the Wray family.
Jeanetta Walker
January 31, 2024
Barbara even though I can't be with you,
You will always be in my heart and thoughts. So sorry for the loss of your Father.
Love your Aunt Jeanetta Walker
Lillian Brown
January 31, 2024
Sending my deepest and sincerest condolences to the entire Riley Family and the Searching Together Family. Pastor Riley was a Great man/Pastor. I was honored to be a member of his ministry and to be baptized by Pastor Riley about 17 yrs ago. He will surely be missed.
"Well Done My Good and Faithful Servant"
Mary Jeffries (Bedford)
January 31, 2024
Sending condolences to the entire Riley Family. Rev. Riley was a true man of God. We will miss him. Heaven has certainly gain a jewel. We love you Rev Riley. Mary Jeffries and the Bedford Family. ❤
Rosie Hicks
January 31, 2024
Praying for Pastor Riley Family and Searching together church , you all have my deepest sympathy.
Janet Bland
January 31, 2024
Sending condolences to my family. Rev. Riley was such an inspiring man who loved his entire family. I remember how excited he was to see everyone at the reunions. He will be missed.. just remember we will see him on the other side
Joann Hayes-McMorris
January 31, 2024
My deepest condolences to the family.
Kim @ Wisconsin Fuel and Heating
January 31, 2024
So sorry to hear of Pastor Willie's passing. He will be missed.
Kim
Wisconsin Fuel and Heating
Dr. Anne Thomas Sulton, Esq.
January 31, 2024
Heaven bound
Clarence. J
January 31, 2024
A very good person .He always met me with a smile
Cornelius Gordon
January 30, 2024
We are so sorry to hear about the lost of Pastor Riley. He will be greatly missed. We are praying for his wife and the family.
Therita Bogan Harris
January 30, 2024
My Deepest condolences to the Riley Family, I've known Pastor Riley for years, it's like were family.
Deacon SK n Marilyn (Williams) Pearson
January 30, 2024
Pastor Willie Riley was more to me than a friend he once was my Pastor God fearing man definitely gonna be miss he live the life he Preach about we have song on the same musicals more like family Pastor also ordained my husband ( SK) as a Deacon Sending our Condolences to Sister Riley kids grandkids brother Arthur other families definitely his Flock Searching Together Missionary Baptist Church Family Remaining Members of the Golden Jubilees take your rest Pastor
Josephine Shannon
January 30, 2024
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Brenda Mosley
January 29, 2024
He was a good man and I love him and he will be miss and to the god bless you god got him in his hand love you
Wanda Brown
January 29, 2024
Mother Riley our hearts go out to you and the entire family praying in the name of Jesus for strength and comfort and a peace that passes all understanding
Our Pastor will forever reign in our hearts. He taught usso much over the years about living right and doing right so we could make it in to heaven love you so much !! Fredrick and Wanda Browm..
Donald (Duck) Brown
January 29, 2024
My condolence and prayers sympathy to willie Jr Riley family. Pray God gives you strength, comfort you, in times like this of the home going and the celebration of Willie Jr life. He's Going to be with our Heavenly father. I'm going to miss him so much with the phone calls and laughter we shared and all the Bland Reunions fun times Love you Riley family (Duck) Donald Brown
John Bedford
January 29, 2024
Our sincere condolences to the Entire Riley Family on your great loss. Pastor Riley will be missed dearly. We continue to pray for the Family now and for the many days ahead. Please remember that Pastor Riley is with our Lord and is Happy and pain free from this world. Joey...we love you and you will be in our prayers.
John, Mary, Omar and Bryan Bedford
SARA CARTER
January 29, 2024
Prayers for the family
Betty Holman
January 28, 2024
My heartfelt condolences to the Riley family.
Sis. Cynthia, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Willie and Trish Poole
January 28, 2024
Mother Riley, Trish and I send our sincere condolences to you and your family. Pastor was so special to us, and he will forever be in our hearts. We are praying that you all find peace through Christ. I am especially glad that God allowed us to spend time together on our fishing excursions with your sons and grandson. I will miss my special friend and fishing buddy. We often talked about how God brings people into our lives to bring us joy, and to help us become better people. We will always thank God for blessing us with you and Pastor Riley.
Sending you all love and hugs,
Willie and Trish Poole
Diane Griffin
January 28, 2024
I love you pastor Riley and will truly miss you. Rest in peace no more pain and suffering for you.
Donnie Ivy
January 28, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.From Mr& Mrs Donnie Ivy
Letha Chattman
January 27, 2024
Sending my sincere condolences and love to Mother Riley and family. Our families became acquainted when we attended Mt. Eagle Baptist Church and us girls went to Jane's School. Pastor Riley Baptisted me when I was about 5 or 6 years old. Mt. Eagle didn't have a pool at the time so we had it done at St. Paul when it was located on Grand Ave. He was and will always be remembered as a pillar in the church community!! Blessings and love to the Riley family!! Rest in Paradise!! ❤
Ellis Bland
January 27, 2024
My you rest in peace.
Dr. Queen Hart
January 27, 2024
My sincere condolences and prayers to the entire Riley family. Pastor Riley was a kind godly man. I will always remember his kindness in allowing me to exercise my gift in the preaching ministry at his church, Searching Together. May Gods’ peace, love and comfort be with the Riley family during this time.
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