Joseph Raymond Riley, Jr.'s Obituary
Joseph Raymond Riley, Jr. 64 of Memphis, TN, passed away on November 21, 2022, after battling brain cancer.
Raymond (Ray) was born on January 4, 1958, in Memphis, TN to Joseph Raymond Riley, Sr., and June Watson Riley. Ray graduated from Messick High School and then continued his education at Memphis State University where he earned his bachelors in English, as well as his Doctor of Jurisprudence. Ray had a very diverse career path including teaching, law, construction, and various roles at FedEx. He loved to disassemble and reassemble all types of machinery, which included everything from washing machines off the side of the road to every car he ever owned. He finally found his professional niche as a Technical Writer at FedEx which allowed him to combine his hobbies and his previous careers.
Ray met Lenora, his future wife, at a Christmas party in 1985. Afterwards, he found out that she had crashed it and he searched relentlessly for her. He eventually found her, and they quickly became inseparable. They soon married and created a beautiful family with their children, James, and Kathleen. Ray’s love of exploring was passed down to his children during many family trips to National Parks and Historic Sites, imprinting memories that will last a lifetime.
Ray is survived by his wife, Lenora Bocklage Riley of Memphis, son, James A. Riley and his wife Amber I. Riley of Newark, daughter, Kathleen R. Neff and her husband Robert M. Neff of Chapel Hill, and brother, Stewart W. Riley and his wife Andrea R. Loigman of Durham.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Raymond Riley, Sr., and June Watson Riley.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 25 at Memorial Park funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 26 at 10:00 a.m. in the Riverside Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home. Interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Park Foundation
Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN, 38119. (901) 767-8930.
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