Joe Louis Riley

Mr. Joe Louis Riley, 74, of Blytheville, died Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, at Baptist Hospital in Memphis. Born in Blytheville, he was the son of Frank and Flora Riley. His parents, his brother, John "B" Riley, and sisters Mae Francis Daigle and Jenny Riley preceded him in death.

Joe was employed as a diesel mechanic and later by the Arkansas Highway Department. He was a member of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in Steele, Mo., where he served as a deacon. He had previously been a member at Morning Star Church in Blytheville.

He leaves his wife, Mrs. Mary L. Riley of the home;

Two daughters, Mrs. Sharise (and Israel) Falkner of Memphis and Mrs. Renita McKinney of San Antonio, Texas;

Two sons, Joel Rodney Riley of Phoenix, Ariz., and Merrill Riley of Blytheville;

Two brothers, Frank (and Beatrice) Riley of Blytheville and Willie E. (and Mable) Riley of Chicago;

A brother-in-law and his wife, Rev. Emmanuel and Ollie Lofton of Blytheville;

Four grandchildren;

One great-grandchild; and

Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday at St. Paul M.B. Church, 1630 West St., Blytheville.

Funeral services will be held a 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul M.B. Church with the Rev. Johnnie E. Moore, pastor, and the Rev. Larrie Bell, pastor of Morning Star Church in Steele, officiating. Burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery. McDonald-Horne Funeral Home of Blytheville is in charge of arrangements.