He was born in Sylvester, TX to Rex and Mozell Cross on December 2, 1932. At a young age his family moved to the community of Longworth where he would meet two lifelong friends, Doyle Brunson and DC Andrews. They would remain friends for 80 years. After finishing school in Longworth through the ninth grade, they transferred to Sweetwater High School. All three were active in sports. Riley was a four sport letterman in football, basketball, track and baseball.
In 1950 he was offered a football scholarship to Hardin Simmons University. His two friends made the same choice, DC in football and Doyle in Basketball.
A chance meeting of Riley and his future wife happened on a beautiful fall day. Riley was wearing a red Sweetwater letter jacket and Betty Gay Smith wore a black Abilene High cheerleader sweater. His smile was infectious even though Gay played it cool.
From friendship to love the bond was formed. Both of them graduated from Hardin Simmons in 1954. Hey were married January 29, 1954 and were married 64 1/2 years.
Riley had a double major in math and P.E. and he expected to coach, but by chance he chose to work for Humble Oil (Exon). In 1956 daughter Kayla Diann was born. The family transferred back to Abilene for a few years and made another move to Concord, California.
In 1962 daughter Kami Lynn was born. The family lived in Seymour, Odessa, Austin and Abilene, where he finally got a teaching and coaching job at Madison. There he fulfilled his dream to work with kids. He worked at Madison for twenty seven years and retired in 1997. In 2000 Riley was named to the HSU Athletic Hall of Fame.
Kayla and Kami received their education in Abilene. Riley was so proud of them in everything they did. One in tennis and one in gymnastics, both in choir at Cooper and in church.
Two grandchildren came along to bless the lives of Riley and Gay- Tammie and Dave.
Preceding Riley in death were his parents; DC Andrews; and infant sister; and 2 nephews.
He is survived by his wife Gay; daughters Kayla and Kami; granddaughter, Tammie; grandson, Dave and wife Nikki. Also surviving are two sisters, Fern Bland and Zenita Gardner and husband Leon; sister-in-law, Lyndelle Hatcher; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation: Thursday, July 26, 2018 at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South from 6 - 7pm.
Memorial Service: Friday, July 27, 2018 at First Baptist Chapel at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to City Light Ministries or Hardin Simmons Athletics Program.
You may view and sign the guestbook at www.elliotthamilfuneralhomes.com.
