Ralph Eugene Riley

Ralph Eugene Riley, age 84, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away at 8:25 A.M. on Monday, March 6, 2017 at Mt. Vernon Health Care Center in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. He was born on March 18, 1932 in McLeansboro, Illinois, the son of Othel Lee and Ruth (Davis) Riley. He married Katherine Delores Kurtz on September 29, 1951 in Irvington, Illinois and she preceded him in death on December 24, 1981.

Mr. Riley is survived by his daughter, Kathy Jean Bragg and husband John of Columbus, Georgia, 3 grandchildren, David Lee Ramsey and wife Brenda of St. Augustine, Florida, Jennifer Brown and husband Matthew of Columbus, Georgia and Andrew Keith Ramsey and wife Becky of Millbrook, Alabama, 7 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, special friends, Diane Castellari of Centralia, Illinois and Misty and Jim Alli of Centralia, Illinois and very very special friends, Logan and Katelyn.

In addition to his wife of 30 years, Mr. Riley was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Crystal Anne Riley, great-grandson, Andrew Taylor Meadows and sister, Ozzie Atkins.

Mr. Riley was a former member of the First Baptist Church in Centralia, Illinois. He was a sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, serving his country from October 29, 1952 until August 25, 1954. He was a collector of guns and enjoyed shooting and hunting. He liked to be out on the road riding his motorcycle. He loved looking over the planes at Fort Benning. He was known to watch WWE Wrestling, especially “Wrestling Under the Stars.” He also took in a good western or war history movie.

Mr. Riley was a production supervisor for Lear Siegler Heating Company in Centralia, Illinois for 19 years. He was then employed with Roesch Enamels in Belleville, Illinois and retired after 5 years of service. He lived most of his life in Centralia, Illinois.

A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, March 9, 2017, at Hillcrest Memorial Park near Centralia, Illinois with Pastor Rodger Randolph officiating. Interment will follow in Hillcrest Mem`orial Park near Centralia, Illinois. Friends may call from11:00 A.M. until 1:30 P.M. on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Riley's honor to the Mt. Vernon Health Care Center for the care of Dementia Patients and will be received at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois. Please view the online obituary, send condolences or share memories with Mr. Riley’s family at www.moranfuneralhome.net or on the funeral home's Facebook page.

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