CW4 Henry Riley, Jr. June 4, 1936 - May 6, 2024
Columbus, Georgia CW4 Henry Riley, Jr. of Columbus, GA transitioned his life Monday, May 6, 2024 at St. Francis Hospital. Funeral service for CW4 Henry Riley, Jr. will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 13, 2024 at Greater Beallwood Baptist Church with Rev. Ronnie Williams, Pastor of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Hamilton, GA, officiating according to Hill-Watson Memorial Chapel at Rose Hill LLC. Interment to follow at Green Acres Cemetery with Full Military Honors. Visitation will be held Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Visitation will also be 1 hour prior to the service on Monday, May 13, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the church. Henry Riley Jr was born on June 4, 1936, in Columbus, Georgia, to Henry Riley Sr and Mary Lou (Marshall) Riley. He attended Spencer High School in Columbus, GA. He received his bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Chaminade College of Honolulu, Hawaii. Henry accepted Christ at Greater Beallwood Baptist
Church in Columbus, Georgia. His life principles were doing what was right, setting a good example, and taking personal accountability and responsibility. At 17, Henry joined the Air Force, serving 13 years. He transitioned to the Army to become a Warrant Officer and completed an additional 17-years. After 30 years of service, Henry retired as Chief Warrant Officer-4. He specialized in electronics and communications maintenance. His military awards included the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and many other decorations and recognition. After his military retirement, Henry worked for Ford Aerospace and the Washington Metro Transit Authority. He eventually retired in 2003 and relocated back home to Columbus, GA. Henry loved history and had a photogenic memory of worldwide events and their impact on the world. He enjoyed current events and loved to discuss and debate them with anyone. “Hank” loved teaching and mentoring young people. He worked as a college instructor in electronics and mathematics. “Lil Bro” also mentored young boys and teens in programs sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. “King Tut” was the family magician, always having a trick or two for the children. Henry never met a stranger and always sought a conversation with anyone, anywhere. His family and friends will miss him dearly but have fond memories and life lessons that will carry us through. Mr. Riley is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Mrs. Luria (Mahone) Riley. This union brought forth seven children: Sheila Riley Gadson (Nathan) of Accokeek, MD; Cheryl Riley Davis of Seattle, WA; Hendrix Lamar Riley (Patricia) of Columbus, GA; Michael Riley (Valerie) of Santa Ana, CA; Vickie Riley of Odenton, MD, Gregory Riley (Linda) of Woodbridge, VA; and Reginald Riley (Deceased). In addition to his seven children, his grandchildren include Sirena, Nicole, Kelly, Dwayne, Calvin, Whitney, Shamaya, Regina, Justin, and Hakeem. He also cherished his grandchildren by marriage: Patrena (Deceased), Otis, and Crystal. He also has 15 great-grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Sr. and Mary Riley; brothers Curtis Riley, Wilson Riley, and Ricky Riley; and sisters Nora Lee Wiggins and Vevylyn Vaughn. Melvin Riley, Gloria Simmons, Venitha Riley Coleman (Jesse), and Jerome Riley (Arlyse) are his surviving brothers and sisters. Visit us online at www. hwmemorialchapel.com to sign our Guest Registry