Paul Allen Riley

Lieutenant Commander Paul A. Riley, USN (Ret.), 99, took his final catapult launch toward heaven on 28 October 2025.

Paul was born on 11 June 1926 in Bennettsville, SC, to Jack and Cornelia Newton Riley. Both grandfathers were Confederate veterans, and two ancestors fought the British. Paul was an Eagle Scout, home guardsman and high school valedictorian. Finishing Severn School in 1944, he entered USNA in the 13th Company. His wartime-accelerated class graduated in 1947.

He served aboard SALAMONIE (AO-26) and MISSOURI (BB-63) before flight training, finishing in Hellcats in 1951. He joined VS-831 flying TBMs/Afs from CVEs/CVLs. Paul was then transferred in 1953 to VF-172 flying Banshees from WASP (CVA-18), enforcing the Korean armistice. The air group then crossed the equator and circled the globe.

Next came NAS New York training reserves in Corsairs, Cougars and T-33s; then operating complex Demons in VF-14 from ROOSEVELT (CVA-42). Paul earned a postgraduate Aeronautical Engineering degree in 1961. During the summer field trip, he met Evelyn Vincent. They married after graduation and honeymooned in Europe. His next task was in Norfolk, testing and evaluating electronic countermeasures and automatic carrier landing systems. His last tour was as project officer for Sabreliner and other trainers.

Personal accomplishments included Airline Transport Pilot rating, and GWU MA degree, completing 273 arrested landings. With 3,400 hours' pilot time he retired. He authored an illustrated book, Near Misses: A Naval Aviator's Story, which provides an interesting background in aviation and personal life.

Civilian employment included management positions with four airlines. Water proximity in Miami, FL, facilitated "Life of Riley" sailing. Paul earned commercial seaplane, rotorcraft and flight instructor ratings. Returning to Houston, he joined a Space Center contractor, becoming a certified plant engineer. Retiring at 71, he became a substitute teacher, consultant and devoted time to family, travel, flying, church and tennis.

Survivors include Paul's loving wife of 64 years, Evelyn; their children, Mary (Kevin), Miles (Adrienne), Jack (Elizabeth) and Will (Heather); eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

A life of honor, a legacy of love-now home with our Lord.