Robert Earl Riley Sr

Robert Earl Riley Sr., age 79, of Northport, went home to his Heavenly Father on Sunday, April 7, 2013, after a lengthy illness. Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Friday at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park with Kenneth Horst officiating and Heritage Chapel Funeral Home & Cremations, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing. Visitation will be Friday from 12 noon to 12:45 p.m. at the funeral home.

He was preceded in death by his father, Willie Houston Riley; his mother, Eula Dean Riley; and his brothers, Marvin Riley and Terry Riley.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Catherine Riley; his daughter, Ann Horst (Ken) of Tuscaloosa; his sons, Earl Riley and Jeff Riley; his sisters, Sylvia Lambert and Theresa Pannell; and his grandchildren, Brett Horst (Ashliech), Conrad Horst, Byron Horst, Corbin Horst, Blakeney Riley, and Paige Riley.

Robert was born May 15, 1933, to Willie and Eula Dean Riley. One of seven children, he grew up in Bessemer and graduated from Bessemer High School in 1951. Robert joined the U.S. Navy in 1951 and served four years. He then attended the University of Alabama and graduated with a degree in Business. He worked for South Central Bell for 16 years before entering private business with Gilbreth, Foster, Brooks, Riley and Stephens. Robert then worked at the University of Alabama as the Telecommunications Director for 14 years, retiring in 1996.

Robert was a deacon and trustee at Alberta Baptist Church, where he and Catherine were members for over 25 years. He was a Gideon for many years. Robert was a wonderful and caring husband, father, and grandfather.

Pallbearers will be Earl Riley, Kyle Boswell, Brett Horst, Conrad Horst, Byron Horst, and Corbin Horst.

Honorary pallbearers are Southern Care Hospice, Dr. Gene Alldredge and his nurses and staff, Kelly Marlowe, and friends and neighbors of Northwood Lake.

Condolences may be offered at www.heritagechapeltuscaloosa.com.