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Richard Riley passed away April 17, 2023 in Oklahoma City. He was born on August 23, 1947, to Jack and Evva Riley in Oklahoma City. He was a student in the Oklahoma City Public schools and graduated from NW Classen High School in 1965.
After graduation he entered college at Southwestern Oklahoma State University but enlisted in the U.S. Navy prior to receiving a degree. During his naval tenure he was stationed in San Diego, CA. After his stint in the U.S. Navy, he returned to Oklahoma and graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Business degree. His first job out of school was at Communication Federal Bank in Oklahoma City. While at CFB, he continued his schooling and acquired his MAI certification. This was the beginning of his appraising career. In 1968 he married Anne Evans and in 1973, they had their first child, daughter Kimberly Riley. A few years later he started his business Real Property Services, Inc., which was in business for 49 plus years. In 1981 they had their son Mathew Riley.
Richard helped found Sooner Pearl BMX Raceway in the late 80’s. This is where he helped many people find success on the racetrack. For many years, he was the lead announcer at the track, in addition to maintenance and planning. Richard was also one of the founding members of READ and was an active commercial appraiser till his passing. In the 90’s Richard and Anne mutually went their separate ways.
In 2002, little did Richard know he would meet the love of his life, Cathy Riley whom he married in 2005. With this marriage he would expand his family to include his two daughters Brooke Richardson and Jamie McLaughlin and their children. In 2006 they bought what would be their dream home and lived there until 2022. At this house they would host parties almost every weekend, every holiday, and every birth. It was the hub for family and friends. Over the next 20 years Richard and Cathy lived a very happy life. The first night they met, Richard told Cathy he would ‘show her the world’, and he did. They travelled internationally to Scotland, the UK, Milan, and Mexico numerous times. Domestically, they travelled throughout the US, with Vegas being one of their favorite destinations. Richard had a love of music that he acquired through his mom and dad; most of which was country. Cathy has a love of dance, so they were members of The Young Mens Club and the Oklahoma City Dance Club where they spent many happy evenings dancing. He loved to fish, especially with his grandkids and he had many fishing adventures with his children over the years. He also had a passion for making birdhouses and won various awards at the Oklahoma State Fair.
Richard was a businessman, mentor to many, a fisherman, a teacher, and an artist. But, most importantly, he was an amazing husband, father, grandfather (or Papa as his grandkids called him), and role model.
Richard is survived by his wife Cathy Riley, of the home; daughter Kimberly Campbell and son Fergus of Sawston, Cambridgeshire, UK; son Mathew Riley, wife Deborah and daughter Elena of Prosper, TX; daughter Brooke Richardson, husband Mickey and children Tyler and Taylor of Guthrie, OK; daughter Jamie McLauglin, husband Kelly and children LeeAnn, Lukas and Loki Joe of Oklahoma City, OK, as well as many cousins and extended family from afar.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Evva Riley of Oklahoma City as well as his paternal grandparents, James Ellis and Martha Virgina Riley of Weatherford, OK; and his maternal grandparents, Ora Oscar and Nellie M. Kelly of Weatherford, OK.
Viewing at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service will be Monday 5-8pm and Tuesday 8am-5pm. A rosary and celebration of life will be held Tuesday from 5-8pm in the Mercer-Adams Chapel. Funeral mass will be held at 11:00am, Wednesday, April 26 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.
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