James William "Bill" Riley

James William “Bill” Riley, 99, of Florence, KY, entered into his eternal rest Wednesday night December 13, 2023, at home surrounded by loved ones. Born on April 1, 1924, in Bloomfield, MO, he was the son of the late James O. and Blanche Howell Riley. Bill led an adventurous life, making an impact on many lives. On April 23, 1955, Bill married Maxie Jean Hubbard; she survives. He was a graduate of Lebanon High School in Lebanon, TN. He continued his studies at Cumberland University where he graduated from Cumberland School of Law. On November 9, 1944 he was enlisted in the U.S. Army at Fort Oglethorpe, GA. He was one of over 16 million Americans who served in WWII, and much of his time was spent in Germany. After 28 years in management with Seagram Distillery, he retired in 1983. He later worked with U.S. Distilled Products in Princeton, MN, then became a Realtor. Bill enjoyed playing sports with his kids and attending their games. He was a master of many things including construction, auto mechanics and problem solving. He wrote the first safety manual for Seagram’s early in his career which led to many advancements for the company. Later in life Bill became a fitness enthusiast creating an exercise space in his basement. Bill followed politics closely and knew state and federally held positions and their voting records. In addition to his wife of 68 years, Maxie Jean Hubbard Riley, he is survived by five children: Eric (Jeanne) Riley of Independence, KY, Teri (John) Meinzer of Florence, KY, William “Bill” (Lisa) Riley of Clear Lake, MN, Tina (Patrick) Reiber of Madeira, OH, and Connie (Craig) Presley of Wichita, KS. Seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren also survive, all of whom lovingly called him “Pappy” and “Grandpa”. He is also survived by one sister Christine Riley Basham of Nashville, TN. He is preceded in death by two sisters: Evelyne Riley Clemmons, Georgia Riley Jackson and also a grandson, Jordan Buisman. Visitation will be on Thursday December 21, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. with the funeral service beginning at 12:45 p.m. at Elliston Stanley Funeral Home in Williamstown, KY. Burial will follow with full military honors and a 21- gun salute at 2:00 p.m. at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery (KVC-N) in Williamstown KY.