Johnnie Ralph Riley

Ralph Riley Tupelo- Johnnie Ralph Riley, 95, died peacefully on Friday, March 7, 2014, at Sanctuary Hospice House surrounded by his family. He was born in Saltillo on December 9, 1918, to John and Bulah Riley. He was a graduate of Mississippi State and a veteran of the US Army Air Corps having served during World War II. He was a deacon of the Tupelo Free Will Baptist Church and served for many years as the teacher of the Men's Bible Class. He married Sara "Sissy" Montgomery in 1948 and they built a happy life together with the addition of their two sons Johnny and William. They enjoyed 55 years together before Sara's death in 2003. He was the plant manager at Tupelo Concrete Products for over 20 years and later retired as manager of Planters Lumber Company. Services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 10, 2014, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues Funeral Directors with Rev. Terry Pierce and Rev. Steve Nichols officiating. Burial will be at Lee Memorial Park Survivors include two sons, Johnny Riley (Sharon) of Milton, Florida and William Riley (Charlotte) of Belden, Mississippi; one brother, Robert Riley (Jo) of Tupelo, four grandchildren, Jennifer Gwillim (Tim) of Bethalto, Illinois, Scott Riley (Kelly) of Belden, Amanda Hayden (Jason) of Belden and Patrick Riley (Kelly) of Willow Spring, North Carolina; five great-grandchildren, Carter Riley, Sara Gwillim, Meg Riley, Riley Gwillim and Aubrey Riley and numerous nieces and nephews and a special caregiver Kevin Byars of Shannon. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and three brothers Allen, Bonnie and Clarence. Pallbearers will be Scott Riley, Patrick Riley, Tim Gwillim, Jason Hayden, Jerold Montgomery, David Cole, Ron Smith and Tommy Sudduth. Honorary pallbearers will be all present and former members of the men's bible class of Tupelo Free Will Baptist Church. Visitation will be Sunday, March 9th 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com .