Paul Ervin Riley

Dr. Paul Erving Riley, 86, of Eclectic, passed away December 15, 2014 at Bill Nichols Veteran Home in Alexander City. He was born May 11, 1928 in Auburn, NY and grew up in Sennett, NY, the son of the late Howard and Elsie Riley.

He is survived by his wife, Karen L. Riley; children, Marta Rose-Thorpe (Jimmy), Elizabeth Riley Bennett (Mike), and Ramelle M. Riley (Tina Rek Blondet); stepchildren, Jamee Gilson, Andrew Conner (Elizabeth) and Susan Riley; eleven grandchildren, Caitlin Gilson, Patrick Gilson, Rylee Bennett, Jake Ferpes, Michaela Bennett, Taylor Ferpes, Isobel Bennett, Nicole Ferpes, Karen Conner, Madalyn Ferpes and Leo Rose; and sister-in-law, Carol Riley. He is preceded in death by a brother, Bruce Riley.

Dr. Riley served in the U. S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict in Guam. He graduated from Florida Southern University, Lakeland, FL and held a Masters and a PhD in English from the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. He was recognized by the University of Florida twice for his outstanding teaching.

There will be a celebration of life service at 5:30 pm, January 2, 2015, at his daughter’s home, 5202 Finisterre Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408, followed by a light supper. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to one’s favorite charity in Paul’s memory. He will be interred at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL on January 6, 2015 at 10:30 am.

Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com.

Linville Memorial Funeral Home, Eclectic, Alabama