William "Bill" Ray Riley

William “Bill” Ray Riley, 78, of Pawnee, OK passed away on January 24, 2025. 

Bill was born March 21, 1946 in Lawton, OK, the son of Henry William Riley and Fairy Jean Woody Riley McClendon.

Bill married Shirley Richards July 7, 1967 in Pawnee, OK and they had two children, Stephanie and Steven. 

Bill worked many different jobs throughout his life and never complained about one of them. He was a farmer, truck driver, carpenter, EMT, and after retiring as Pawnee Fire Chief he went on to work and retire from the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. 

Throughout his life, Bill had many hobbies and interests. He loved coaching and watching his children’s sports, camping, spending time with all of his family, watching westerns and baseball, and taking care of his cattle.

Bill was a member of the Assembly of God church in Pawnee, OK where he enjoyed being a greeter because he loved talking to everybody and never met a stranger.

Bill is survived by his wife, Shirley Riley of Pawnee; daughter, Stephanie Thornburg (Sonny) of Shawnee; son, Steven Riley (Susan) of Pawnee; Grandchildren – Joseph Thornburg of Shawnee, Bailey Thornburg of Broken Arrow, Tyler Cavett (Lorna) of Skelmersdale, UK, Mikayla Laffoon (Dustin) of Pawnee, Ronni Blankenship (Eric) of Okeechobee, FL; Great Grandchildren- Kevin, Emersyn, William, Wyatt, Tatum, and Riley; Siblings- Linda Bowline, Opal Ward, Bobby McClendon, Eddie McClendon, Mary Stokes, Charlotte Sewell, Garland McClendon and numerous nieces and nephews, including Carl “Luther” McClendon, who Bill thought of as a son.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Henry and Fairy, Brothers; Calvin Riley, Charles Riley, Harvey McClendon, David McClendon, Gerald McClendon, and Sister, Trudy McClendon.