Obituary for Roy Eugene "Gene" Riley
Gene Riley
Saginaw, Michigan
Beloved father, grandfather was called home to his Lord on Monday, September 26, 2022. Age 94 years. The son of the late Varnie and Mamie (Emery) Riley, Gene was born February 17, 1928 in East St. Louis, Illinois. Gene married Jacqueline Wright, his loving wife of 72 years, on December 30, 1944. She predeceased him February 3, 2017. He served in the U.S. Army during WW II and was a member of American Legion Post #439. Gene began his working career at Keyser-Frasier Automobile plant and was employed there for seven years. He then became a shoe salesman at Lazar & Sons in Wayne for over five years. Gene began his active ministry at North Prospect Baptist Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan. While continuing his studies at Southwest Theological Baptist Seminary, Gene began his radio career in KZEE Radio as on on-air personality. His broadcasting career at WNEM TV-5 began in 1965 and ran until 1975. He and Jackie then owned and operated the Gene Riley Advertising Agency from 1975 until his retirement in 1991. Gene and Jackie then became an Evangelistic team in international ministry and also became active in TCT (Total Christian Television) for over 20 years. Gene was known for his singing and became a recording artist of Christian music. He retired from active ministry in 2012 after serving as Pastor, for five years, at Saginaw Valley Baptist Church.
Surviving are two daughters, three sons and their spouses, Sandra Robertson, Freeland; Clifford and Bridget Riley, West Branch; LaVerne and Irene Riley, St. Charles; Michael and Fran Riley, Saginaw; Patty Albright, Saginaw; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Gene was preceded in death by a son, Daniel, and by one sister and one brother, Ruby Johnson and Otis Riley; two sons-in-law, Hoyte Robertson and Ron Albright.
The family would like to thank the staff at Community Village for their love and care of our dad. We couldn't have chosen a better place for him. Also Amara Hospice, for their care during his final months with us. We appreciate all of you.
Honoring Gene’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 7, 2022 at The Snow Funeral Home, 3775 N. Center Rd., (between Shattuck and McCarty). Pastor Danny Cruz will officiate. Friends may visit at the funeral home where the family will be present on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to The Valley Church - Gene and Jackie Riley Community Ministries Memorial Fund.
Saginaw, Michigan
Beloved father, grandfather was called home to his Lord on Monday, September 26, 2022. Age 94 years. The son of the late Varnie and Mamie (Emery) Riley, Gene was born February 17, 1928 in East St. Louis, Illinois. Gene married Jacqueline Wright, his loving wife of 72 years, on December 30, 1944. She predeceased him February 3, 2017. He served in the U.S. Army during WW II and was a member of American Legion Post #439. Gene began his working career at Keyser-Frasier Automobile plant and was employed there for seven years. He then became a shoe salesman at Lazar & Sons in Wayne for over five years. Gene began his active ministry at North Prospect Baptist Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan. While continuing his studies at Southwest Theological Baptist Seminary, Gene began his radio career in KZEE Radio as on on-air personality. His broadcasting career at WNEM TV-5 began in 1965 and ran until 1975. He and Jackie then owned and operated the Gene Riley Advertising Agency from 1975 until his retirement in 1991. Gene and Jackie then became an Evangelistic team in international ministry and also became active in TCT (Total Christian Television) for over 20 years. Gene was known for his singing and became a recording artist of Christian music. He retired from active ministry in 2012 after serving as Pastor, for five years, at Saginaw Valley Baptist Church.
Surviving are two daughters, three sons and their spouses, Sandra Robertson, Freeland; Clifford and Bridget Riley, West Branch; LaVerne and Irene Riley, St. Charles; Michael and Fran Riley, Saginaw; Patty Albright, Saginaw; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Gene was preceded in death by a son, Daniel, and by one sister and one brother, Ruby Johnson and Otis Riley; two sons-in-law, Hoyte Robertson and Ron Albright.
The family would like to thank the staff at Community Village for their love and care of our dad. We couldn't have chosen a better place for him. Also Amara Hospice, for their care during his final months with us. We appreciate all of you.
Honoring Gene’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 7, 2022 at The Snow Funeral Home, 3775 N. Center Rd., (between Shattuck and McCarty). Pastor Danny Cruz will officiate. Friends may visit at the funeral home where the family will be present on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to The Valley Church - Gene and Jackie Riley Community Ministries Memorial Fund.