of Caraway, AR

April 27, 1935 - March 6, 2026

Billy ''Bill'' C. Riley, age 90, of Caraway, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on the evening of March 6, 2026, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro.
Bill was born on April 27, 1935, in Swifton, Arkansas, to the late Everett and Flossy Riley. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and faithful servant of the Lord.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by one brother, Paul Riley; four sisters, Ruby Kelton, Levell Fletcher, Lavonda Anderson, and Anna Jo Pendergraft; and two great-grandchildren, Westin Grant Thorn and Emma Kate Thorn.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, JoAnn Riley of Caraway; one daughter, Robin; and two sons, Michael (Gail) Riley and Barry (Cheri) Riley, all of Caraway. He also leaves behind five grandchildren: Scott (Melanie) Riley, Chris (Stacy) Riley, Steven Riley, Amanda (Kyle) Presley, and Antoinette Campbell; nine great-grandchildren: Zac Riley (Kirsten), Alyssa Riley, Lexi (Collin) Ryan, Symantha Riley, Sierra Riley, Evan Thorn, Gavin Campbell, Bentley Presley, and Madden Presley; and five great-great-grandchildren: Ryker Ganade, Carter Ryan, Ronan Riley, Charleigh Brown, and Lakyn Brown. Bill is also survived by one sister, Verneal McKinney, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved him dearly.

In his early years, Bill and JoAnn moved to Michigan in search of work, later settling in St. Louis, where Bill was employed by McDonnell Douglas Aircraft. He eventually returned to Arkansas with his family, where he tried his hand at farming and worked at Pritchard's Hardware Store in Caraway. Bill later began his long career with American Greetings in Osceola, from which he retired after 37 years of service.
Bill enjoyed hunting and fishing and was known as an avid do-it-yourself handyman who could fix just about anything. At the age of 45, he gave his life to the Lord and lived his faith thereafter. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Caraway, where he served as a deacon. Bill lived out his faith daily through devotionals, teaching Bible classes, and always lending a helping hand whenever the church had the opportunity to serve others.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 10, at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, located at 213 E. Kentucky Street in Caraway, with Brother Rick Stevens officiating.
Burial will follow at Caraway Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the church from 11:00 a.m. until service time.

Those serving as pallbearers will be Terry Couch, Randy Couch, Bill Gross, Gary Toombs, Willie Simpson, and John Starnes.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who offered prayers and support during the past several months, with special thanks to the staff of Encompass Health Rehabilitation, Monette Manor, St. Bernard's Hospital, and the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House. Your care, compassion, and kindness brought great comfort to Bill and his family and will always be remembered.

 

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