Raymond Cunod Riley

1927 - 2021

Raymond Cunod Riley passed away peacefully surrounded by his daughters on July 24, 2021 at The William Christopherson Veterans Home in Salt Lake City, Utah. Though living the past few years with family in Utah, he always considered Kentucky his home.
He was born on Sept. 22, 1927 in Washington County to parents, John Wesley Riley and Venia Allen Mullins. He is the second born of 11 children, four brothers and five sisters. Raymond attended school at Forkland in Boyle County. He was later drafted into the U.S. Army and served in The Korean War.
Raymond married Rhoda Mae Abell Dec. 31, 1951, making their home in Marion County. They were blessed with four children, Raymond Terry, Stephen Hayes, Sharon Denise (Merrill), and Sheila Dawn (Ovard). Thirteen grandchildren and 10 great- grandchildren.
After his honorable discharge from the Army, Raymond farmed in Marion County and later became employed at Depcor, subsequently renamed Angell Manufacturing in Lebanon. He loved the land and spending time on his farm. He enjoyed working in his garden and harvesting/canning the produce. He enjoyed sharing his time and skills with others wanting to learn. He loved watching ballgames, especially The University of Kentucky basketball. He proudly wore his U.K. hat everywhere.
Raymond loved his family with a special place in his heart for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was loved by many people and enjoyed meeting new friends. He was a great example of the quote "A stranger is a friend I haven't met."
He was preceded in death by: his wife, Rhoda Mae; his parents, John Wesley and Venia Mullins Riley; three sisters, Allen Norine, Myrtle Isabell, and Virginia Elizabeth; and three brothers, Carl Ray, John Randall, and Cleo Winfred.
Survivors include: his children, Terry (Adelpha), Stephen (Allison), Sharon Merrill (the late Lee Merrill), Sheila Ovard (Jerry); his sisters, Susie D (Daughtery), Rita Ann (Willard); and brothers, Amos (Barbara) and Jimmy (Mary).
Graveside services were held 10 a.m. Saturday, July 31, at the Pleasant Grove City Cemetery, Pleasant Grove, Utah.
A visitation was held Friday, July 30, 6-8 p.m. at Peel Funeral Home, 8525 W. Magna Main St., Magna, Utah.