Richard Wayne Riley

Mr. Richard Wayne Riley passed away peacefully, Wednesday, April 24, 2024. 

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 pm Friday, May 3, 2024 at Memorial Park Riverside Chapel. Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, May 3, 2024 at Memorial Park Riverside Chapel. Inurnment will be at First Baptist Church of Gainesville Columbarium.

Richard was born August 25, 1944, to the late E.P. and Maebelle Riley of Gainesville, GA.

As a lifetime resident of Gainesville, he was devoted to his family and community. He attended Gainesville High School, The Berry School for Boys, Berry College, Truett McConnell College and graduated from the Grady School of Journalism at The University of Georgia. 

His love for journalism led him to a very successful 40-year career with Sawyer, Riley Compton, Inc. based in Gainesville. Once retired, he taught at the Grady School of Journalism at the University of Georgia.  He also served on board of directors for several non-profit organizations such as I.N.K., The North Georgia Food Bank, Global Health Action, and The Grady School of Journalism at the University of Georgia.

He was a Deacon and member of The First Baptist Church of Gainesville, and a devoted member of the Angler’s Sunday School Class.

Richard was survived by his wife, Tena of 58 years.  Daughter, and son in law, Pamela and Keith Jenkins of Buford, Son and daughter in law, Chris and Bambi Riley of Gainesville, his grandchildren, Grace and Hayden Jenkins, Jake and Austin Riley, his niece and husband, Devonne and Buddy Haynes and his sister-in-law, Barbara Williams.

Richard was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Jo and Harold Pinson, niece, Stephanie Bruce, mother and father-in-law, Ernest, and Oma Holland. 

The family has requested in lieu of flowers, donations be made to I.N.K. 999 Chestnut Street, Gainesville, GA 30501, or Georgia Mountain Food Bank, 1642 Calvary Industrial Drive, Gainesville, GA 30507.