John Malcolm Riley

John Malcom Riley, I, 73, , of Lake Harding, AL passed away Monday, January 8, 2018 at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, AL.

A celebration of life memorial service will take place a nearer future date.  The family will receive friends Thursday evening, January 11, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm EST at Vance Memorial Chapel in Phenix City.  A private interment will be held by his loving family.

Mr. Riley was born November 8, 1944 in Henry County, AL to the late C W Riley and Ellafoy Cook Riley.  He was retired and the owner / operator of Riley Enterprises.  He proudly served on the Alabama State Board of Gas and Plumbing.  He was a member of the Alabama and Phenix City Home Builders Association.  His dedication to his profession achieved him the status of a Life Spike.  Mr. Riley was proud of his hard work and accomplishments in life realizing his heritage from hard farm country upbringing from down-home.  Big John had a tremendous passion for the Alabama Crimson Tide, his nature of life and character was humorous, unique, and full of surprises; he enjoyed fishing and the outdoors, but most of all loved and cherished time with family and especially all his grandchildren.  Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Jennifer Dunn and a granddaughter, Savannah Wood.

He is survived by his beautiful bride, companion, and friend of 20 years, Gwendalyn “Gwen” Beth Sanders Riley, children, Glenn Riley and wife Bonnie, Jeff “Buck” Riley, Jill Bowles and husband Deon, Jamie Wood and husband Matthew, Little John Riley, Dustin Key, and Sarenity Riley, one sister, Patricia Jones and husband Gary, four brothers, Calvin Riley and wife Linda, Don Riley and wife Linda, Bobby Riley and wife Kathy, and Wayne Riley and wife Brenda, paw-in-law, Wayne Harper, (24) grandchildren, (4) great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other extended loving family members, and many caring friends.  Online condolences may be shared at www.vancememorialchapel.net