James Douglas Riley

Published 2:25 pm Tuesday, February 18, 2025

BOWLING GREEN – James Douglas Riley, age 91, passed away at his residence in Bowling Green, Kentucky on February 15, 2025. Doug was born to the late Ernest and Erdene Campbell Riley on October 19, 1933 in his hometown of Winfield, Alabama.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Guyla Jean Drake Riley, brothers Ernest Ray Riley and Andre Riley, sisters Betty Jean Norris and Martha O’Brien, and his special cousin Joe Rae Johnson.

Doug was a 1952 graduate of Winfield High School, after which he joined the United States Army. After his time serving in Europe, Doug returned home and attended Western Kentucky University where he received his Rank 1. He worked as a school teacher and later retired from Logan County Schools. Doug spent over 55 years of his life ministering the Gospel and pastoring churches in Butler, Warren, Barren, Logan and Allen county.

He and his wife Jean loved watching their grandkids compete in sports and watching their sons successful coaching careers. Survivors include his sons, Steve Riley (Lisa) and Tim Riley (Pam), grandchildren, Matthew Riley (Jen), Drake Riley, Kevin Riley, Brett Riley (Kate) and Brooke Riley, and great-grandchildren, Bryant and Rhett Riley.

His brother in law Floyd Norris and sister in laws Sarah Riley, Lavelle Meguiar (Johnny), Joyce Joyner, as well as a host of extended family also survive.

Visitation will be from 4 until 7 p.m. Thursday, February 20, and 9 until 11 a.m. Friday, at the J.C. Kirby & Son Lovers Lane Chapel. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association or a charity of your choice.