Jesse L. Riley, Jr., a cherished father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend during his 88 years of life, passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 26, 2024. He was born to the late Pauline Taylor Riley and Jesse L. Riley, Sr. in Bowling Green on April 20, 1935.
He graduated from Russellville High School, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Louisville School of Law.
In 1960 he married Donna Lou Tuck. They spent two years in Phoenix and Miami respectively while Jesse served as a Special Agent of the FBI. They moved back to Russellville in 1962 to raise their family and begin his career of practicing law. He went on to serve as County Attorney for Logan County and Commonwealth Attorney for Logan and Todd counties. He was a member of the Kentucky Bar Association and Kentucky Academy of Trial Lawyers. In 1991 he was named Outstanding Prosecutor of Kentucky. Jesse was also a long-time member of the United Methodist Temple and the Rotary Club of Russellville.
Jesse was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna.
He is survived by his son, Mike (Melynda) Riley of Russellville;his daughter Lally (Mark) McLean of St. Louis; his grandchildren, Jessica (CJ) Farris of St. Louis, Meredeth (Trenton) Burns of La Grange, Riley McLean of Houston, and Michael Riley of Russellville; his great=-granddaughters, Katherine Riley Farris, Lilian Jean Farris, and Claire Taylor Burns; his brother Jim (Sarah) Riley; and his two nieces.
A special thank you to Kayla Scruggs and Dr. William Travis with Hosparus Health Barren River and to Jesse’s wonderful caregivers, Amy Henderson, Tee Maskin, and Regina Lee. The family will be forever grateful for the loving care Jesse received at home during his illness.
Funeral services for Jesse L. Riley, Jr. will be held on Friday, March 1, at the United Methodist Temple. Visitation will begin at noon until time of the service at 3:00. Burial will follow in the Maple Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jesse’s memory be made to the Isaiah 117 House Logan County Kentucky. Envelopes will be available at the United Methodist Temple at the time of the service.
Kirby Funeral Services Russellville is entrusted with arrangements.