George Riley, Jr.

Mr. George Riley, Jr., affectionally called Shoo Boo or Shoo, was born on November 20, 1950, in Eufaula, AL, to the late Mr. George Moreland and the late Mrs. Annie Ree Skipper Jordan. He was the oldest child of Mr. George Moreland, and the only child of Mrs. Annie Ree Skipper Jordan. He was united in marriage to Gloria Ware Riley on July 10, 1971, and was married 52 years upon his transition. The wedding was officiated by the late Reverand Allen Gochett, who stated this was the first couple he ever married. George transitioned peacefully at his home on Saturday, November 18, 2023.

George accepted Christ at an early age and joined Star Baptist Church. In later years, he moved his membership and re-dedicated his life to Christ at New Mt. Zion AME in Eufaula, AL. During his service at New Mt. Zion AME, he took joy in engaging in Sunday School lessons and serving as an usher.

George attended Eufaula City Schools including Van Buren Elementary and TV McCoo High School. Although he did not finish high school his senior year, he attained his High School Equivalency Certificate April 2000. Upon completion of his credential, his instructors recognized his potential and recommended that he pursue higher education. George was employed at American Buildings, the City of Eufaula for eighteen years, with his last employment at Bledsoe Mining.

George’s favorite hobby was fishing, and we know the fish miss him. He was a comic and his youngest daughter called him Steve Harvey and would always say he should be getting paid for his jokes. He also had a green thumb, had a bountiful garden, and was a great cook. In his younger years, he was known for his dance moves, playing pool, and driving that cool 70s GTO. And most importantly, he loved people. He was known to be fussing about something only to turn around and feed the whole neighborhood.

He was preceded in death by his father, George Moreland, his mother, Annie Ree Skipper Jordan, stepfather, C. W. Riley, son, Legary Williams, twins Lorenzo Victory and Felicia Nicole Ware, and sisters, Ruth Helen Moreland Williams, and Ronetha Moreland.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his devoted wife of fifty-two years, Mrs. Gloria Dean Ware Riley; two loving daughters, Cresha (Albert) Thomas of Eufaula, AL, and Remona D. Riley of Columbus, GA; eight grandchildren,    Jeremy  Riley (whom he shared an extra special bond as the first grandchild) of San Diego, CA, Marquise Thomas of Eufaula, AL, Devante’ Thomas of Eufaula, AL, Jumere Johnson of Eufaula, AL, Jeffery Holmes of Eufaula, AL, Cari Williams of Tuskegee, AL, Legary (Shanelle) Williams, Jr., of Hampton, VA, and Shamya Williams of      Birmingham, AL; eleven great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Dr. Pamela Williams of Auburn, AL; five brothers, George Edward Moreland of Virginia Beach, VA, Alonso (Lisa) Moreland of Baltimore, MA, Calvin Moreland of Eufaula, AL, Tim Moreland of Eufaula, AL, Rick Hollins of Avon, FL; three sisters, Vernice Moreland of Eufaula, AL, Elaine (Nick) Irby of San Diego, CA, and Datha (Bert) Haynes of Jacksonville, FL; one living aunt, Alice  Moreland of Waverly, GA; a host of cousins, with special recognition to Sonny (Glenda) Skipper of Eufaula, AL, Cornelius (Plump) Skipper of Eufaula, AL, and Stonewall Ramey of Eufaula, AL; friends Buddy Grant of Eufaula, AL and Charles Green of Eufaula, AL; and a host of family, friends, and neighbors.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George Riley, Jr., please visit our floral store.