Born on April 22, 1944 in Grafton, West Virginia
Departed on October 1, 2021 in Palm Bay, Florida
Terry J. Riley Sr., was born in Grafton, West Virginia on April 22, 1944, to the union of Beryl and Erma Riley; where he remained until he was 18 years old. He then moved to Melbourne, Florida where he would meet and marry the love of his life Barbara.
Terry immediately began his 30 year career with the Brevard County Sheriff’s office and retired as commander. He then worked for the U.S. Customs and eventually moved on to the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services where he finally retired as Chief of Special Operations. Terry provided his service in law enforcement for over 45 years.
He was an amazing husband and father, who loved music, hunting and fishing. Most of all he loved spending time with his family and friends. He was respected and loved by so many. He will be forever deeply missed.
Terry J. Riley Sr. departed this life on Friday, October 1, 2021. He was preceded in life by his parents Beryl and Erma Riley and his loving wife Barbara Riley.
Terry leaves to cherish his memory: his children, Jackie (Jay) Geld, T.J. (Patricia) Riley Jr., Lorna Ray; two brothers: Gene (Connie) Riley, Stanley (Mary) Riley Sr.; one sister: Phyllis (Butch) Shaffer; grandchildren: Cris (Nicole), Andy (Corinne), Taylor, T.J. III., J.R. (Nikki), Jason (Courtney), John, Devin, Brett, Destiny, Isabella; great grandchildren: Joshua, Grayson, Rory, Brinn, Connor, Charlee, Zy’aire; and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on October 16, 2021 at Brownlie-Maxwell Funeral Home located in Melbourne, Florida.
The family would also like to express their gratitude to the William Childs Hospice House nurses and staff for all of their kindness and compassion.
9 entries.
Connie and Gene Riley, Jr.
from Grafton, WVa 26354 wrote on October 13, 2021:
Terry, you were always such a jokester and you never ceased to amaze me with some of your antics ! But I will always remember a few times that I got you back! There was a bathroom nightmare once but I will keep that to myself, thank you very much! Or the time you purposely put one of those little green lizards on my shoulder. Man could you ever run fast for a big guy!! We all had some really had some good times when we lived in Melbourne too. Give Barbara a hug for us when you see here in heaven! Forever, we love you! ❤️ you
Destiny & Zy’aire
from Kokomo wrote on October 13, 2021:
Grandpa, we will miss you forever. you were an amazing, loving, and kind man. Zy’aire loves you so much, and so do I. i’ll always cherish the time we got to spend with you. rest in heaven <3
Krista Lutman
from Toms brook wrote on October 12, 2021:
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. I know he was a special man in my mommas life. They would talk for hours on the phone and had so many laughs. Special cousins. My heart aches for you all. Hugs and prayers
Charlie and Regina Bronson
from Tallahassee, FL wrote on October 11, 2021:
Sincerest condolences to the family on the loss of your loved one. Terry was one of Charlie's best friends for many years and he as so many fond memories of time spent with Terry and Barbara. May they be joined together for an eternity.
Joseph
from Geld wrote on October 9, 2021:
Pop, what can I say, you worked so hard all of your life for your family. You allowed me to become part of the family and shared your amazing daughter with me! Your loss will be timeless and your fight is now over. Give mom a big hug from me and rest easy knowing you will always be loved but never forgotten!
Love, Jay
Jackie Geld (daughter)
from Melbourne wrote on October 8, 2021:
Nothing prepared me for losing you. Each day hurts a little more. I can only take comfort in the fact that you are no longer in pain and hopefully you are with my momma taking it easy! I love you daddy with all my heart! There will never be another like you and you will always be my hero. My love always…
Phyllis and Arnold(Butch) Shaffer
from Grafton, W.V. 26354 wrote on October 8, 2021:
We loved your Dad very much. He was a very special man.. Prayers coming your way.
Phyllis and Arnold(Butch) Shaffer
from Grafton, W.V. 26354 wrote on October 8, 2021:
We will miss your Dad. Prayers for you.
Jackie Geld (daughter)
from Melbourne wrote on October 8, 2021:
Daddy there are no words…I miss you more which each passing day. I take comfort in knowing that your suffering is now over and you can rest easy. I love you with all of my heart. Your baby girl!
Born on April 22, 1944 in Grafton, West Virginia