Former Century council member dies; graveside set for Saturday
Riley
Century and the surrounding communities are mourning the death of resident Gary Riley, who died
Saturday, Dec. 19 at the age of 75. Riley served on the Century Town Council for two decades and was known by many for his 'easy-going' attitude and kindness.
A native of Pensacola, Riley was elected to the Century Town Council in 1999, where he served continuously until 2019, when health problems kept him from running for re-election.
Riley served on the council with Mayor Henry Hawkins, who was elected into office in 2016.
"Its been a joy and a pleasure to work with him, concerning the town," said Mayor Hawkins. "He's just been a real good person to work with."
When asked what he thought Riley's strongest asset for Century as a councilman was, Hawkins said Riley's knowledge of Gulf Power was a big asset.
"I'd say his expertise with Gulf Power," he said. "We had to negotiate some things with Gulf Power. He knew the folks we needed to talk to. He would just make the connections."
Hawkins had known Riley before working with him on the council, the two were both preachers.
Former mayor Freddie McCall, Jr. worked with Riley for several years.
"I can say that we are all going to miss him," said McCall. "He was a very, very kind person and he loved Century. He was great to work with."
McCall recalled Riley's ability to settle things down easily, quietly and peacefully.
"He was a great communicator," said McCall. "He was easy going, always agreeable. He was easy to work with."
Visitation was from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 23., at Joe Morris and Son Funeral Home, located at 701 N. Devillier's St. in Pensacola.
A graveside service will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 26, at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, located at 1084 Massachusetts Ave., in Pensacola. Due to COVID-19 family and friends must practice social distancing and have a face covering at both.
Gary Elijah Riley was born March 4, 1945, to Elijah and Nancy Benson Riley, in Pensacola.
Mr. Riley graduated from Booker T. Washington Senior High School in 1963 and attended Florida A amd M University and began substitute teaching for the Escambia County (Fla.) Board of Education. He also worked as an Escambia County Transit System driver and later retired from Gulf Power. He served on the ministerial staff of Bethel Salone Church of God in Christ since 1982, in the choir, as Sunday School teacher and superintendent, youth pastor, assistant pastor, as trustee board member and Pensacola District 1 treasurer.
Mr. Riley is survived by his wife, Dorothy Riley, three sons, Michael (Brenda) Riley and Montress (Shelita) Johnson, both of Pensacola and Richard (Crystal) Riley of Texas; two daughters, Kendra Riley of Pensacola and Tammy Johnson (Timmith Bush) of Century; six brothers, Timothy (Yolanda) Jenkins, Jr. and Carl (Shirley) Jenkins, both of Pensacola, Terry (Betty) Jenkins of West Palm Beach, Fla., Steve (Claudia) Jenkins of Augusta, Ga., Henry (Rose) Henderson of Washington, D.C. and Dwight Johnson of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; four sisters, Linda (Derick) Hunter and Phyllis J. King, both of Pensacola, Betty North of Lake Elsinore, Calif. and LeVette (Jerry) McKnight; 17 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews, nieces and extended family members and friends.
Mr. Riley was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Eddie Louis Riley; four sisters, Elizabeth Smiley, Lucile Kelly, Doris Riley Johnson and Deloris Williams; and two grandchildren.
