Mr. John Henry Riley

John H. Riley was born on August 2. 1927. the only child to the union of Homer Riley and Ethel Tillis in Taylorsville. Mississippi. John H. Riley received his formal education at Smith County High School in Taylorsville. MS and furthered his education at Tennessee State University, Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). and Marouette University. John accepted Christ at an early age and was united with Greater Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. where he served as a dedicated member and one of the organizers of the Feeding Program. On April 2 I. 1955 John was united in ho!y matrimony with Marcella Cole in Milwaukee. Wisconsin. Their union was blessed with three beautiful children. John enlisted into the United States Navy on August 10. 1945 and the United States Army on August 18. 1954. he received Honorable discharges from both branches. He was employed by Pabst Brewing Company as an Inspector and retired in 1987. He was the owner and operator of Northside TV and Record Shop for many years. one of a handful of black business owners in Milwaukee. WI during the 1950·s. Throughout his entire life he was a self-employed entrepreneur and he was also the owner of Riley Rea I ry. amongst many other business endeavors. John was the ultimate family man. He was a loving husband and was extremely proud of his children. John was a dedicated man and took pride in providlng and teaching the value of hard work. He was a father figure that touched the hearts of many and instilled a strong will to "NEVER GIVE UP". On any summer day you could find him outside on the patio. in the shade. enjoying his favorite music. which was jazz and blues. He occupied his hands and mind by fixing electronics and never slowed down in his Quest to gain new information on advancing technologies. In his leisure. he enjoyed spending time with his family, playing and hosting poker games. fishing. traveling. maintaining a fit life style by walking three miles daily, and being an unsolicited comedian. John was a very good cook and was known for making the best chili. oxtail soup. and of course his famous fruit salad. He was especially known for shaking the salt shaker and couldn't leave home without Franks Hot Sauce. John was a walking history book and the historian of the farnlly, John touched many lives and he will truly be missed. John was a life time member of the NAACP. the 2nd Vice President. and was a member on the Scholarship committee. He received the W.E.B. Dubois Award and the NAACP Merit Award for his dedicated service and support of the NAACP locally and nationally. John was involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. where he guided many young men along their way. He was a strong advocate for voter registration and was involved with civil rights movement. John H. Riley transitioned on November 9. 2018. He was preceded in death by his mother Ethel Barnes; his dad. Homer Riley: step-dad. Rayfus Barnes; and grandson. Alfonzie Cockroft. He leaves to cherish in memory his loving wife. Marcella of sixty-three years; three children. Phyllis Riley. Andrea (Michael) Riley-Cockroft. and John Kenyatta Riley (Nelly): six grandchildren. K. Renee (Robert) Moore. Brittney (Theron [r.) Rogers. Trlnity Riley. Reign Toussaint Riley. Kelly OJ) Bonds. and Aleah Ellis; six great-grandchildren. Danielle. Theron III. Daria. Robert lr .. Elijah (Honor). and London; and a host of nieces. nephews. relatives and friends. Special mention of familY members: Kenard Martin. Debbie Scott. Cheryl Hill. Edna Douglas. Meme. and Renee Jackson.

Mr. John Henry Riley

August 2, 1927 - November 9, 2018