James Allen Riley

James Allen Riley, 92, of Woodville passed peacefully unto his Lord and Savior on January 28, 2024.

James Allen was born July 22, 1931 in Woodville, Tyler County, Texas to Allen and Ethel Riley.  He lived in Tyler County all of his life.  James Allen retired after 35 years of service as an engineer and state inspector for the Texas Highway Department (now Texas Department of Transportation).  He was a member of Dogwood Hills Baptist Church.  In past before his health failed him, he served faithfully many years as deacon in Woodville First Baptist Church, old Cobb Mill Baptist Church and Dogwood Hills Baptist Church.  He was also a member of the Woodville Magnolia Lodge and a supporter of the Shriner’s Children Hospital.

James Allen and Anna Gay, the love of his life, were married 71 years, from September 2, 1950 until her passing January 7, 2022.  He loved his family, especially his grandchildren and supported them with his whole heart.  James loved the Lord, his family, raising his animals, fishing and raising a garden – in that order.

James Allen was preceded in death by his wife, Anna Gay Williams Riley, his parents, Allen Mooney Riley and Ethel O’Zeda Anderson Riley, son, Jimmy Dale Riley, Granddaughter, Chanel Riley, sister, Aileen Riley Harris, brothers, Howard Lynn Riley, Sr., Pat Alvin Riley, Sr., Maxie Lenard Riley, Sr., and Jerry Ernest Riley.

He is survived by his daughter, Sherry Lynne Harvey and husband, John of Woodville; Walter Allen Riley of Hemphill; daughter-in-law, Linda Kirkland Riley of Woodville; grandchildren, Pat Harvey and wife, Jeannie, Jennifer Rawls and husband, Marc and James Harvey all of Woodville, Heather Hunnicutt of Bryan, William Riley and wife, Heather of  Greenwood Springs, MS, Joshua Riley of Newton, McKensey Riley of Greenwood Springs, MS, Aaron Riley and wife, Tracy of Brookeland, Alex Riley of Vidor; brother, Mike Riley and wife, Pam of Woodville; sister, Nell Ard and husband, Marvin of Silsbee; numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren as well as numerous other family members and friends.

A celebration of James Allen’s life will be held Tuesday, January 30, 2024, from 11 am until 1 pm at Riley Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank Dogwood Trails Manor and Olive Branch Hospice for their devoted Care.

Donations can be made in our loved ones name to Shriner’s Children Hospital Texas, 815 Market St., Galveston, Texas 77550 or Dogwood Hills Baptist Church, P.O. Box 2068, Woodville, Texas 75979.

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