CMSgt. William Donald “Bill” Riley, 84, peacefully passed from this life and joined his Lord and Savior in heaven on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

Bill was born on April 2, 1942, in Morris, Minnesota to the late Thomas and Elizabeth Kopel Riley. He spent his formative years on a farm with his eight siblings. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, beginning a distinguished career that would carry him to many duty stations around the world over the next twenty-nine years. A proud American patriot, he was well-respected by those with whom he served.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Bill remained closely connected to the world of aviation and aeronautics, a field that had been such an important part of his life. He continued pursuing that passion through his work with Lockheed and later with Advent, allowing him to remain involved in the industry he had dedicated much of his career to and deeply enjoyed.

Bill’s commitment to service continued long after his military retirement. He proudly served as President of his local VFW Post and was a proud member of the VFW Boat Club. These organizations gave him another opportunity to honor his fellow veterans, build lasting friendships, and remain connected to the community he loved.

On September 22, 1962, Bill married the love of his life, Mary Pauline Skaggs, and they spent sixty-two wonderful years together before her passing. He was a devoted husband and father who took great pride in his family and treasured the time he spent with those he loved. He was extremely proud of his five children, but his six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren held an extra special place in his heart.

Bill was a man of strong character, a determined spirit, and a heart for the people and things he loved. He was hard-working, independent, and never one to shy away from sharing his thoughts. He took great pride in being able to fix almost anything and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed searching for bargains at yard sales. Camping and fishing brought him great joy in life, and he loved working in his yard, tending to flowers, and growing fruits and vegetables. He shared a special friendship bond with his neighbors. In the evenings, he could be found in front of the television watching Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and Gunsmoke re-runs. A devout man of faith, Bill worshipped at Our Lady of the Skies Catholic Church on Robins Air Force Base.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Pauline Skaggs Riley; and his siblings, Bob Riley and Leo Riley.

His memory will forever be treasured by his children, Sandy Davis (Jim) of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Debbie Tisckos (Jeff) of Williamsville, Illinois, Bill Riley, Jr. of Marietta, Georgia, Patricia Shain (David) of Bonaire, Georgia, and T.J. Riley (Ashley) of Canton, Georgia; his grandchildren, Jessica Throneburg (Andrew), Kyle Tisckos, David Shain (Bailey), Brian Shain (Monica), Laura Tisckos, and Nicholas Tisckos; six great-grandchildren; his siblings, Joanne Schneider, Joe Riley, John Riley, Jim Riley, Mary Van Horn, and Elaine White; and a host of other extended family members and friends.

Visitation with Bill’s family will be Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. The graveside service celebrating his life will immediately follow at 11:30 a.m. at Parkway Memorial Gardens where he will be laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of CMSgt. William D. Riley, USAF (Ret.) to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.st.jude.org).

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.