Charles E. Riley

Tupelo- After a short illness, Charles Edward Riley passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, December 5, 2022, at the Baldwyn Nursing Facility. He was born in Tupelo on October 4, 1938, to Reverend Lawrence David Riley and Zora Mears Riley.
Despite having polio as a child, Charles lived a long, happy, and productive life. He worked a variety of jobs at service stations when they were still full service and custodial services at Itawamba Community College. He found great joy in selling, trading, and finding deals. Charles was a member of Oak Hill Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jewell Riley; sister, Kathryn Riley Johnson; and brothers, Ken Riley and Butch Riley.
Those left to cherish memories are his sisters, Betty Houston Sanders and Norma Pardin and her husband, Russell; brother, Lawrence David Riley, Jr. and his wife, Bonnie; his lifetime friend and loving companion, Norma Presley Ray and her daughter, Wendy Ray Collums; his sisters-in-law, Louise Riley and Natalie Riley; and his large extended family and friends too numerous to count.
Visitation will be 5 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at Pegues, Tupelo and 10 a.m. until service time Thursday, December 8, 2022.
A celebration of his life will be at 11 a.m. December 8, 2022 at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues Funeral Directors in Tupelo with his pastor and friend, Brother Donny Riley officiating.
Pallbearers will be Jimmy Clark, Russell Pardin, David Riley, Julian Riley, Larry Riley, and Tommy Scruggs.
Honorary pallbearers will be his East Tupelo friends whom he loved to visit with on the front porch of his home until he entered nursing home facilities on August 19, 2022.
The family expresses great appreciation for the loving and compassionate care provided by staff at Courtyards Community Living Center in Fulton, Baldwyn Nursing Facility, and North Mississippi Medical Center Hospice.
Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at www.peguesfuneralhome.com .