Mack Allen Riley

Mack Allen Riley, 93, of Birmingham, born October 29, 1923, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on January 6, 2017. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Betty Fischer Riley on October 8, 2000. He grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. After graduating from Phillips High School, he enrolled at Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University) as a co-op student with Birmingham Electric. Recruited by the Navy in 1942, he served as an Aviation Radioman 3rd Class in the prestigious Electronics Training Program where he taught radar and radio repair in Gulfport, MS, and Dearborn, MI. After World War II, he returned to API to finish his degree and worked in the college electrical lab and was a member of the Eta Kappa Nu Association for Scholarship. After graduating from API in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, he returned to Birmingham where he started working for Alabama Power. He eventually managed the Powell Avenue steam plant, which provided steam heat for most downtown buildings and UAB. He was also a long-time member of the International District Energy Association (IDEA) and served as its president in the 1976-1977 year.

While attending Teacher Training School in Chicago, IL, Mack met Betty Fischer. They married November 10th, 1944. Over the years, they enjoyed traveling and camping with their family and friends and were members of the Bama Campers Association and later the Airstream Camping Club. Above all, Mack was tirelessly devoted and dedicated to his wife, who was stricken with Alzheimer’s disease in her final years. He is survived by three children, Michael Robert (Brenda), Birmingham, AL; Patricia Riley Farmer (Dr. Kenneth L. Jr.), Steilacoom, WA; Dr. Allen Fischer (Kaleen), Trussville, AL. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

He was a faithful member and deacon at 76th Street Presbyterian Church, later known as Eastminster Presbyterian. He was a member of Rotary International and was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation. He was also a founding member of the Birmingham East rotary club and served as its president in the 1984-1985 year. He was the 1967-1968 President of the Roebuck Camera Club and a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Chapter 54. He also volunteered for the Salvation Army, Angel Tree, and Meals on Wheels. He was a lifelong supporter of the March of Dimes because of his love for his mother who suffered from the effects of polio.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, January 11th at Ridout’s Trussville Chapel from 10-11 A.M. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 A.M. There will be a private graveside service for family only afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please send all donations to the Betty Fischer Riley Endowment for Scholarships in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering at Auburn University 1301 Shelby Center Auburn, AL. 36849.