Scott loved the outdoors, his family, and animals.  During our time together, from San Angelo to Spokane…through San Antonio and back to San Angelo, he shared those loves with me and my daughter, Angela.  While he was not successful at converting me to camping or trekking in the wilderness, he did introduce his expanded love of the outdoors (I viewed from the cabin or car window).  During his time at Lackland AFB as Drill Instructor…I was the practice model he worked out his marching instructions on…and I can still Forward March, Halt, and About Face with the best of them.  And very best of all…he shared his Dad, Roy, with me.  Mended fences after our divorce with better understanding for both of us…and he tagged me as emergency stateside touchpoint for his folks during his Greenland unaccompanied tour; after he moved them to Abilene Texas.  I was glad to be able to do so; and Roy always recognized me, when he did not everyone.  Loved me some Roy Riley-kindest soul!    

Just recently heard of Scott’s passing; and while surprising…I read the other tributes here and let memories of our times together, both good and bad come back.  His Mom and I remained in touch until her passing; and our last exchange several years ago, she  shared that Riles had moved out of town and bought property and had horses.  Which sounds like his dream come true…he always said he was born in the wrong time…coulda been a cowboy in the Old West!  So, as evidenced in the tributes, he must have been living his best life.  Regards to his family and friends.  

Debi Owings


I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear of the passing of Mr. Scott!  I have so many amazing memories of this wonderful man and his heart to help people.  Scott became not only a mentor, but a  friend and actually family when I joined the Airman & Family Readiness Center in 2012.  He taught me so many things, not just in the policies and procedures, but in the way to yes to help our Airmen and their families.  The heart of this man was to serve, he was one of the most diligent, hard-working men I have ever known and would make it to work in the midst of pain most people would not even make it out of bed for.  Scott loved God, loved people and he loved his animals!  There is no shortage of memories I'm sure for all of us that knew Scott, and the one thing that brings me peace is to know he is with the Father.  I am grateful for the time and memories and will hold Scott Riley in a special place in my heart forever.  

The news of Scott Riley's death saddened me. I came to know Scott in the late 2000s while stationed at Goodfellow AFB (GAFB). A veteran, Scott had had an illustrious AF career, performing duty stateside and overseas as well as serving special tours as a Military Training Instructor and First Sergeant. With a heart for veterans, Scott accepted a job as a counselor at GAFB where he helped servicemembers and their families to manage stressful life situations. He also committed his free time to servicemembers by enabling them to learn horsemanship at his ranch in exchange for doing chores. In line with Scott's wishes, volunteers learned not only to ride horses but to appreciate horses' majestic nature and their many forms of communication. A generous person, Scott rounded off volunteer days by staging a cookout for the volunteers who enjoyed a sumptuous meal and conversation against the setting sun as the horses grazed nearby. Spending many days with him, I came to appreciate Scott and the experiences that had formed his character. In his youth, Scott had lived on a Tennessee farm where he developed a work ethic and  love for animals which persisted throughout his life. Prior to joining the AF, he worked for the railroad in Ohio, starting as a gandy dancer and then rising to locomotive engineer. Moving to Texas in the AF, Scott grew to love the Lone Star State and made Texas his home. Leading a life of service, Scott was a giving person who sought to help those around him. Scott shared his Christian faith with others and encouraged them to seek truth and meaning in their own lives. Scott and I remained in contact for more than a decade after my departure from GAFB, and I know that Scott continued to inspire other people as he had inspired me. I think that Scott touched many lives and know that he will be missed. I take consolation in the belief that he was prepared for his earthly death and is now at peace, having been reunited with his Heavenly Father.        

 He was the love of my life,  He just never understood that,  I hope he will now find peace and happiness,  Lincoln and Rachel you are always in my prayers and I love you both.

Scott and I were classmates and friends from our days in elementary school in Salem, Ohio. I remember him as a rather quiet, kind person. I'm sure he will be missed. I am sorry to hear of his passing.


Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Scott.  He will be missed.  May he rest in peace.
From all of us at Fort Chadbourne.
Lana, Garland, Ann and Brent

OBITUARY

Scott William Riley

February 26, 1952 – July 20, 2020

Johnson's Funeral Home

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