John Dennis Riley

His other siblings, Luther, Lee, Mable Smith, Ada Flowers, and Theodis Stingley, preceded him in death.

Due to family complications in 1926, at age 4, it became necessary that John be adopted and raised by Zannie and Isaac Riley, of Bolton, Mississippi.

John attended school in the Bolton area. He was an avid reader and prided himself of having read every book he could find. His thirst for knowledge was reflected in his wide range and understanding and sensitivity to life's challenges.

John joined the cadet core at Tuskegee Institute, in 1941. He has the distinction of being one of few, Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen (DOTA). John had tremendous pride in the fact that he learned to fly and was extremely proud of being a Tuskegee Airman. However, his greatest accomplishment came after his time in the military.

In 1946, he moved to Los Angeles to carve out his future. In Los Angeles, he drove a big mail truck for the U.S. Postal Service. In 1956, he began what would prove to be his greatest accomplishment. Nothing had given him the pride and sense of purpose as his career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

He served with devotion and allegiance until his retirement with the rank of Sergeant in 1979. He met his wife, Bernice, also a Deputy Sheriff, while working at the Sheriff's Department.

John married the love of his life, Bernice Maxwell, on Valentine's Day, in 1981. No children were produced from this marriage. When they both retired, they left the Los Angeles Area for Carlsbad, Vista, and now Murrieta. They loved to travel, especially to Tahoe and Las Vegas, and were inseparable. They did everything together.

John is survived by his wife, Bernice; his brother, Monroe Allen, of Santa Monica, California, with his wife Ruthell, one son, one daughter, one niece, Dolores Orme, of Banning, California, with her husband, Maurice; two nephews, Joseph and Johnny Lee; and their spouses; two grandchildren, Rachel Riley and Zander Riley; and many great nieces and nephews, in California.

John was like and respected by all who knew him. In addition to his family, his countless friends and former co-workers, live to morn his memory.

REST SWEET PRINCE