Jerry Roy Riley

Jerry Roy (PaPa/Pops) Riley, age 84, of San Antonio, TX passed away, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. Jerry, a loving and caring man, was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and uncle. His unfailing dedication to his family, especially his wife, Mary, was exemplary.

Jerry was born in Powersville, Missouri to George Paul Riley and Ruth Aline Hampton. The family moved from Powersville to Unionville. After graduation, at the age of 17, Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Army.

First, he was stationed in Korea, followed by Hawaii, France, and Germany. Jerry also served in Colorado and Texas. He also served in Vietnam, where he earned a Purple Heart. Fond memories with his three children include their time in France, when he only knew the French word for ham sandwich, and the time they went through Italy in a Volkswagon with more stuff tied to the top of the car than the size of the car. Jerry loved to save empty wine bottles that he hung around their campsites, which thoroughly embarrassed his kids.

After his retirement in 1975, Jerry spent three months in Unionville, Missouri, where he contemplated his future. Deciding that farm life wasn’t for him, he moved his family to San Antonio, and they made it their home.

In 1983, Jerry met and married the love of his life, Mary. They spent 38 amazing years together.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth Aline Hampton and George Paul Riley; his stepdad, Bob Hampton; his sisters, Barbara Galloway and Rebecca Green; and his granddaughter, Ashley Patterson. He is survived by his devoted wife of 38 years, Mary; his sister, Carol Loft and her husband Milt; his brother, Richard Riley; his daughters, Edith Riley, Debbie Fones and her husband Jamie; his son, Jerry Riley, 9 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Due to Covid-19 and limitations on gatherings of 50 people, there will be a private graveside service reserved for family at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Service was livestreamed and can be viewed below:

Flowers will be received by Porter Loring Mortuary North. Donations may be made in Jerry’s name to The American Heart Association.