RILEY, SR., FRED ELLIS passed away suddenly at his home on Christmas Day. His influence in the world was strong, quiet, and unmistakable. He was born on January 6, 1939 to Mr. and Mrs. Louis Alvin Riley and was raised in the rugged, coal mining communities of the day. His life was one of overcoming tremendous obstacles and adversities, rising from being homeless at the age of 7, graduating from high school, marrying his high school sweetheart, Myrna, and providing for her for over 50 years. During this time he raised two sons and worked tirelessly in the coal mines of West Jefferson and East Walker counties, all to provide opportunities for his sons to attend college (which both of them did). He repeatedly became a father figure for untold numbers of young men at the ball fields in Graysville, the local golf courses, and while fishing with Amos, his beloved best friend. He was a male role model like none other. Wherever Mr. Riley went on this earth, he made that place a better one by his presence. This Christmas Day, our Lord decided to make Heaven a better place. He will be missed. Mr. Riley was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Alvin Riley and Lillian Lorene Riley; sisters, Lillian Riley Nix, Ola Mae Riley Freeman, and Betty Riley Forrester; brother, Louis Alvin Riley Jr. He is survived by his wife, Myrna Wilson Riley; sons, Fred Ellis Riley Jr. (Susan) and Randall Alan Riley; sisters, Glyndal Riley Creel and Katherine Riley Sandlin; brother James Edward Riley. Grandchildren, Ellis Riley, Moriah Riley, Miranda Riley, McKayla Riley, J. Michael Riley, Randall Riley, Jr., Rachel Riley, John Wesley Riley and Rebekah Ross. And his beloved best friend Amos.
Published in The Birmingham News from December 29 to December 30, 2012