Larry Wayne Riley

Larry Wayne Riley was born on August 14, 1937 to the late James Andrew Riley II and Martha Jones Riley in the East Tennessee mountain town of Elizabethton. On July 19th he was called to eternity with the Lord. He passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family.

Wayne is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy. They were high-school sweethearts and even knew each other in Elementary School. Their 68-year marriage is a rare testimony of commitment and enduring love. He greatly loved all his family. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Cheryl Riley of Blairsville and daughter and son-in-law, Mardi Riley West and Mike West of Cornelia; his sister-in-law, Dottie Taylor Riley of Woodstock GA, and his brother-in-law Rick Baker of Richardson, TX; his much-loved grandchildren: Oliver M. Riley of Asheville, NC, Sean Wayne Riley of Sylva, NC, Samuel Riley West (Lauren) of Flowery Branch, GA, Faith O’Kelley West of Cornelia, GA, and Lily West McColly (Drexler) of El Paso, TX, and many special nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother, James Andrew Riley III and his sister, Penelope Riley Baker.

Wayne graduated from Elizabethton High School where he is remembered for his intelligence, athletic ability, and competitive spirit. He attended The University of Tennessee and East Tennessee State University before beginning his banking career where he built a reputation for fairness and accessibility. He retired from banking as CEO and Executive Vice-President of United Southern Bank in Morristown, TN. United Southern Bank is now part of the Truist Bank Family, and he always enjoyed seeing the Truist name and logo behind home plate at the Atlanta Braves’ Truist Park. Wayne was a man with a deep and reverent faith and a generous, giving heart. He was a dedicated member of Bethlehem Baptist Church. Wayne was an avid, self-taught golfer and enjoyed countless hours playing a round of golf with his wife and regular foursomes at The Country Club in Morristown, TN. After Wayne and Kathy moved to Georgia to be near family, he surprised everyone by beginning a new hobby- gardening. With Kathy by his side, he completely transformed their backyard from a barren landscape to a garden blooming with beautiful flowers and shrubs of all colors. He took great pleasure in designing every detail and studied many landscape magazines and gardening resources for inspiration. Wayne and Kathy were blessed with a home on the side of a ridge and spent special times watching the seasons unfold across a view that stretched for miles. He was continually amazed at God’s creation.

A service to honor and celebrate the life of Wayne Riley will be held in the chapel at Hillside Memorial Chapel and Gardens at 12:00PM on Saturday, July 25, 2026. The family will receive friends from 11:00AM until 12:00PM at Hillside Memorial Chapel and Gardens prior to the service on Saturday. The private graveside service will follow. The family would like to thank Robin, Chelsea, Olivia, and Katie and the ladies from Integrity Home Care of North Georgia for their loving care and assistance.

Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers, may make donations to the Senior Adult Ministry of Bethlehem Baptist Church, P.O. Box 488, Clarkesville, GA, 30523.

An online guest book is available for those wishing to express condolences by visiting www.hillsidememorialchapel.com

Arrangements are in the care and professional direction of Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens, Clarkesville