Obituary submitted by Hillcrest Memorial Funeral Home
06-03-25
J.C. Riley, age 86, of Brackettville, TX, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2025, in Uvalde, TX. J.C. was born on November 6, 1938, in Hendrix, OK, to Clyde and Myrtle (Sinor) Riley. J.C. attended Achille High School and graduated in 1956. Throughout his high school days, he developed a love for baseball. This love for the game did not go unnoticed. At the age of 18 he signed with the Kansas City Athletics and played the position of catcher. Later he embarked on the career of his life and joined the US Air Force in 1960. While serving his country, his baseball career continued as a catcher for the US Air Force. During his 29 years of service, CMSGT J.C. Riley served in Vietnam, Iceland, Turkey, Texas, Arizona, Florida, and Maryland. Chief Riley was the recipient of the Bronz Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Vietnam Honor Medal. He retired in 1989 at Lackland AFB, TX and for the next 11 years he was a recruiter for the NCOA, the UAFA, the American Amicable Life Insurance Company, and the Officer Benefit Association. He retired for the second time in 2001. He spent his retirement in Brackettville and played golf every chance he had.
J.C. is preceded in death by his parents, sister Wanda Hobbs, sister Lucretia Wesberry, sister Paulette Blankenship, and nephew Lewis Carl Wesberry. He is survived by his wife, Carol Riley, of Brackettville, TX, daughter Sheila Berry of Colbert, OK, stepson Michael Dawson of Brackettville, TX, grandchildren Bradley Dollar (Julie) of Calera, OK, Monica Debow (Chris) of Oklahoma City, OK, and Melanie Knight (Brenton) of Durant, OK, 7 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, loved ones and friends. J.C. never met a stranger will be missed by many.
Services will be held at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery on June 9th at 10:00 am with the US Air Force rendering Full Military Honors and Pastor YJ Jimenez of the First Baptist Church of Brackettville officiating.
Cremation is under the direction of Hillcrest Memorial Funeral Home.
