Jeffry Riley

Jeffry Lee Riley, 69, of Horton Bay, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 1, 2024. He was born on August 8, 1955, in Petoskey, the son of Carl and Charlotte (Chapin) Riley.

Jeff graduated from Petoskey High School in 1974. He enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 21, and served in Germany as a military policeman for three years before being honorably discharged in 1979 as an SP4. Upon returning to civilian life, he moved back to Northern Michigan and began working security at Big Rock Nuclear Power Plant, where he was employed for over 30 years. He also worked as a security / medical officer at Odawa Casino for 10 years before retiring in November of 2023. He was a longtime member of the Charlevoix Rod and Gun Club, the American Legion Leslie T. Shapton Post #226, and actively attended the Horton Bay Community Church where he also served as the sexton for the North Bay Cemetery. He was very active in the Wreaths Across America Program. 

Jeff was involved in Boy Scouts both as a youth and as an adult. He took pride in being able to pass on the things he had learned to the next generation of Scouts. He was awarded the Vigil Honor of the Order of the Arrow and was known as the Hard Working Medicine-Man. A depiction of not only how hard he worked but also the fact that he served as the Health Officer for many events. One of the highlights of his Boy Scouting days as an adult were the summers he was in charge of the climbing wall at Camp Greilick in Traverse City. He spent much of his time enjoying God’s creation; whether it was camping across much of the US, fishing on the many surrounding inland lakes, or hunting deer and turkey, he simply loved being outdoors. He also cherished each moment he was able to spend with his grandchildren, whom he adored.

On February 27, 2009, Jeff married the love of his life, Vicki (Phillips) Riley, who survives. Also surviving are his children, Shelly (Michelle) Riley, Jackie Tennyson (husband Bill), Jeffery (wife Jamie) Riley, Andy (wife Jessie) Riley, Tim (engaged to Jessie Denison), Dan (wife Alyssa) Riley, and Casey (wife Asia) Riley. As well as step sons William (wife Andrea) Savory, and Justin (wife Rhonda) Savory and a brother Richard (wife – Christine) Riley. 

A celebration of Jeff’s life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Horton Bay Community Church, 4961 Boyne City Rd, Boyne City, MI 49712 . 

In lieu of flowers please donate to Wreaths Across American through their National Website or to the North Bay Cemetery through the Horton Bay Community Church. 

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com