Carl Riley

Carl Riley was born to the union of Douglas L. Riley and Lillie Mae Riley (Townsend) on October 13, 1941, in Cairo, Illinois. He transitioned from this life on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Illinois Veteran's Home in Anna.
Carl was a lifelong resident of Pulaski County. He grew up in Mounds, Illinois, and was the son of a sharecropper. He grew up in what we often call, "the country." This is the same farmland that his father cultivated during his childhood. He attended New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church as a child along with his father and continued to be a respected member of New Bethel until his last day. He served as a Deacon until his health would no longer allow him the honor.
Carl attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Language Arts. Afterwards, he worked for four years as a teacher at Meridian School in Mounds.
During the Vietnam War he was drafted into the Army. After completing Officer Training School, he was promoted to the rank of Captain. Carl's bravery and sacrifice were recognized through various distinguished honors, including the Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Medal, and Bronze Star Medal. He completed a tour of Vietnam before returning home to become the first Black Commanding Officer of the Illinois National Guard Unit in Cairo, IL. During that time, he took night courses, while working for the school system until he earned his Masters of Arts in Education and Administration from Southeast Missouri University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
He continued to serve at Meridian School District 101 for well over 30 years, where he held the roles of Director of Federal Programs and Assistant Principal, before delaying his retirement to serve as Principal at Cairo High School for two years.
Carl was a pillar in his community. It's impossible to list all of his contributions, but he took part in a multitude of organizations and leadership roles. Carl was a former President and continuously active member of the local Alexander-Pulaski County NAACP branch and former Meridian High School basketball coach. He served on the CHESI Board of Health, Meridian School Board, and was the Master of Ceremonies or Emcee for many events. He was also a worshipful brother and Mason in the Lily of the Valley Lodge No. 56. Carl had numerous God-given gifts and talents often displaying his musical knowledge as a DJ at the Cavalier Club. An avid bowler, he anchored teams in several area bowling leagues
fellowshipping with many of his beloved friends. He loved to cook and serve others in their time of need. He could make some of the best greens (A Blend!) in town, award-winning BBQ sauce and ribs, and homemade chow-chow.
While Carl bought and kept the very same parcel of land that his father cultivated as a sharecropper, he grew a vast assortment of fruits and vegetables on that land. For well over a decade, Mr. Riley shared them with the community in both Alexander and Pulaski County. He would drive door to door to deliver fresh and healthy food, as well as firewood, to those in the community. It was no surprise to see him mowing a neighbor's yard with his trusty tractor.
Carl's life philosophy was to "carry out God's Mission by helping the fellow man." He would end his numerous written correspondences with the phrase, "The MAIN thing is to keep the MAIN thing the MAIN thing". He believed we all should bloom where we are planted. He often mentioned that he had a "rich" life because family and friends are the most valuable gifts one could possess. Carl was a deeply dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was full of love, stern advice, jokes, direction, and sarcasm to help all of us along our journeys. He is known for many classic moments and quotes. The memories of him will continue to bring us joy, laughter, and honor. He will always be cherished for having a big heart, being kind, bold, and meaning well.
Carl was preceded in death by his father: Douglas L. Riley; mother: Lillie Mae Lee; bonus & stepmom: Unice L. Riley; sister: Maud Zander Riley; brothers: Fred Douglas Riley, Wesley Riley, and Victor Riley; children: Kevin Johnson and Monique Vinson-Wilks and many more loved ones and friends. Carl leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife: Diann Riley; his devoted children: Edmund Baldwin, Christopher L. Riley, Natalie L. (Tommy) Sawyer, Melovee (Morgan) Bailey, Calvin "Tank" (LeAnne) Johnson, LaShawna (Norris Young Jr.) Johnson, Utilis (Lyrae) Vinson Jr, Pamula V. (Gary) Harris; brothers: Jimmy L. Riley, Ernest Lee, and Samuel Lee; his very dear sister: Dorothy Nevils; extra special nephews: Jeffrey Riley and Sean Nevils; extra special nieces: Kendra Riley and Cynthia (Mark) Hakkila; an extra special granddaughter: Brittany "BJ" Johnson; and daughter-in-love, Tammy Williams. There's an enormous host of treasured step-siblings, grandchildren (also great and great-great), nieces, nephews, and close cousins such as Cuz Ethel Jean, the Townsend family, and friends who have been an essential part of Carl's life and success for many years. There are too many people to specifically mention, so please do not be offended and kindly accept our appreciation and gratitude for being a part of his heart too.
Services for Carl Riley will be held on Saturday July 27, 2024 at Meridian High School in Mounds, Illinois at 12:00 pm. with Pastor, Rev. K. Donnell Wilson officiating. Visitation will Saturday at the School from 11:00 am until the funeral hour at 12:00 pm. Interment will be on Monday in the Mound City National Cemetery at 1:00 pm. Professional Services have been Entrusted to Massie Funeral Home in Mounds, Illinois. Online condolences may be left at massiefuneralhome.com
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