Ronald Dean Riley

Pittsburg - Ronald Dean Riley, 81, of Pittsburg, passed away Wednesday, December 6, 2017, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Dr. Brett Beasley officiating. Burial with military rites will be in Blairsville Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m., Monday, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Willing Partners Canine Education, Inc., 607 N. 10^th Street, Benton, IL  62812.

Ron was born on July 30, 1936, in Bush, to Ralph Clarence and Edith Bernice (Varnum) Riley. He married Rosina “Maggie” “Mickey” Ullrich on November 7, 1957, in Nierstein, Germany. She preceded him in death on September 15, 2012.

He is survived by his son, Ralph (Sherri) Riley of Marion; daughter-in-law, Beth Riley of El Paso, Texas; grandchildren, Sean Riley of Chicago; Sarah (Cameron) Horrell of Creal Springs, Kaitlyn (Zach) Heard of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; great-granddaughter, Iris Riley Heard; brother, Jim (Jane) Riley of Royalton; sister, Nancy (Brent) Martin of Girard; many nieces and nephews; and special friend, Sarah Hartsock of Hallidayboro.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son, Ronald Riley; grandson, Scotty Riley; and brother, Donald Riley.

He honorably served our country in the U.S. Army for 22 years, as a Sergeant Major during Vietnam, with the 1^st Engineering Battalion and the 1^st Infantry Division, where he was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for Valor.

After his time in the service, Ron worked at Prairie Farms in Carbondale. He also worked in the coal mines for several years.

Ron was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandkids.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4

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