M.F. Riley's Funeral Home | Fairfax, SC

Obituary For The Honorable Marion F. Riley, Jr.

The Honorable Marion F. "Sonny" Riley Jr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the parting of the Honorable Marion Francis "Sonny" Riley Jr., owner and operator of M.F. Riley's Funeral Home and Coroner of Allendale County.

Mr. Riley transitioned Friday, June 8, 2018 at the Palmetto Health Richland Hospital Columbia, SC.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 16, 2018, 11 AM., at Allendale - Fairfax High School Gymnasium, Fairfax, SC. Entombment will follow at M.F. Riley's Funeral Home, Fairfax, SC.

Public viewing will be held Friday, June 15, 2018, from the hours of 1:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M., with a wake service from 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. in the M.F. Riley Sr. Memorial Chapel.

The family will be receiving guest at the home of his daughter, Renique Riley, at 1087 Pickens Avenue South, Fairfax, SC.

M.F. Riley's Funeral Home Fairfax,SC is in charge of the arrangements.

Please continue to keep the Riley family in prayer as they go through this most difficult time.

ICONIC LEGEND

(OCTOBER 3, 1942 - JUNE 8, 2018)

OBITUARY

THE HONORABLE MARION FRANCIS RILEY, JR.

was born October 3, 1942, in Allendale County, South Carolina, to the late Mr. Marion Francis Riley, Sr., and the late Mrs. Mary Garvin Riley. He was also nurtured in the home of his maternal grandparents, the late Reverend Leroy Garvin and the late Mrs. Beulah Garvin.

His faith and belief in God was expressed at an early age when he united with the membership at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Fairfax. "Sonny," as he was affectionately called, attended service there with his family, until his health declined.

He was a graduate of Fairfax Training School, Class of 1960. In 1964, he graduated from Eckel's College of Mortuary Science, in Philadelphia, PA.

He was united in marriage to the late Claudette Drayton Riley, and this union was blessed with four children: Nick, Marcus, Traci, and the late Marion F. Riley III, who predeceased him in death.

On July 30, 1989, he united in holy matrimony to Dorothy Smart-Riley and, they were blessed with one daughter, Renique.

"May the Work I've Done, Speak for Me..." Mr. Riley began his career in Law Enforcement by joining the Fairfax Police Department in 1970. His career in Law Enforcement escalated in 1972, when he joined the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), under the leadership of Chief J.P. Strong and later retired under Chief Robert Stewart.

The handle, "Kojak," was given to him, at that time, due to his high caliber investigative skills in the area of undercover detective work. Mr. Riley was very capable and found himself on the forefront of may high profile cases. He held numerous positions in Law Enforcement, beginning as a patrolman, detective, police chief, and finally, county coroner. He enjoyed Law Enforcement and was one of the best in Allendale County, not to mention the State of South Carolina.

If "Kojak" was on the case, he worked hard and long hours to make sure every avenue was explored. According to records, most of the cases he worked on were solved. He was an innovator in encouraging new police officers to train and be the best they could be. Some may look upon him as, "a hero, amongst heroes."

His career with SLED, afforded him the honor of escorting high profile Statesmen like. . .Rainbow Coalition President/Organizer, the Reverend Jessie Jackson and Reverend Bernice King, youngest daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rev. Al Sharpton, just to name a few.

After retiring from SLED, he obtained employment with Hampton County Sheriff Department. He also worked as Chief of Police for the Town of Estill, South Carolina, before retiring from law enforcement. Mr. Riley was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police for fifty-nine years. He was by popular vote, elected to the office of Allendale County Coroner for the past 8 years.

In addition to being an accomplished and decorated law enforcement officer, "Sonny" was also General Manager, Owner, Director and Embalmer of M. F. Riley’s Funeral Home, Fairfax, SC, having over 59 years of experience as a funeral director and embalmer. He was also a member of the South Carolina Mortician’s Association, as well as a member of the District and National Mortician’s Association.

Mr. Marion F. “Sonny” Riley, Jr., was active in the community where he lived. In his leisure time, he was a sports official – refereeing and umpiring over many games played in the Low Country area, from little league to varsity. He played with Fairfax Wildcats and Allendale Braves Baseball Teams, and a member of Gifford Masonic Lodge. He was highly respected, trusted and well-known, all over the State of South Carolina.

His wisdom and understanding, coupled with his experience and knowledge of “Law” allowed him to effectively do his job well, (according to the law books). He extended that same understanding, compassion and encouragement, along with gentleness and humility to the families he served in their time of bereavement. All of this impacted the development of a loyal and vast friendship circle among many, throughout the State and States. He enjoyed the company of his former classmates, and was a revered member of the Fairfax Training School ALUMNI, Class of 1960.

A lover of family, he was passionately in love with his wife “Dot”, as he would affectionately call her. He, adored all of his children and, was proud of every one of their accomplishments.

Mr. Riley’s awards and accomplishments for his bravery and dedicated service over the years, are too numerous to name. On May 25, 2018, he was presented the Oustanding “Lifetime Achievement Award in Law Enforcement”, from New Life School of Theology in Allendale. He also received the Community Service Award from Big Seven Association in February.

In addition to his first wife, he is preceded in death by one son, Marion F. Riley, III; his parents: Mr. Marion F. Riley, Sr., and Mrs. Mary Garvin Riley; (2) 'Sisters: Evelyn Riley Grant and Virginia Riley-Priester; Mother-in-law: Thelma Garvin; Fathers-in-law: Tweedie Garvin and Toby "Cowboy" Smart. “You lived like a star, and left like a super-star” His final reward was bestowed to him, on Friday, June 8, 2018, at Palmetto Richland Hospital in Columbia, with his loving wife, “Dorothy”, at his side. . . “Time to come home dear brother Your tour of duty is through. No more late night phone calls You’ve given as much as anyone - Could be expected to do Just a few more steps, and The view will be clearer Others here will guide you - You have no need to fear. You have NOT failed ANYONE You graciously gave it all And through your unselfish actions Others will hear the call. So take your place of honor, Among those who have gone before, But know you will be remembered, For now and forever more”

Bereaving family, left to carry on his astounding legacy are: His loving and devoted wife of the home, The Honorable Mayor Dorothy S. Riley; Beloved children (8) daughters: Renique Riley, Fairfax, SC, Sharrell Odom (who cared for him); Blythewood, SC, Traci Riley, Stephanie (Isiah) Williams, both of Fairfax, SC; Greta Green (who cared for him), Shirley Loadholt, both of Columbia, SC; LaToya (James) Moore, North Augusta, SC, and Stephanie Harrison, Raleigh, NC, (8) sons: Ronald (Pauline) Bradley, Fairfax, SC, Nick (Christie) Riley, Snellville, GA, Marcus Riley, Houston, TX, Chauncey (Latika) McLeod, Greenville, NC, Donald Bradley, Gainesville, FL, Jeffery (Sonja) Bradley, Dallas, GA, Hubert Smart, Allendale, SC, and Eric Platts, Blythewood, SC, (1) Sister: Janice Heard, Augusta, GA; (1) Godsister: Francis Marion Odom, Columbia, SC, (1) Goddaughter: Monica Johnson, Fairfax, SC; As a mother, Earlean “Uttie” Ferguson, Fairfax, SC, Loving step-mother, Mrs. Ruth Nobel, Maryland, (2) Sisters-in-law: Diane (Phillip) Hamilton, Camp Branch, SC, Mary Mikell, Hampton, SC, Mary Monroe, Estill, SC, Catherine Bell, Maryland, and Cynthia Monroe, Fairfax, SC (3) Brothers – in – law: Toby (Gail) Smart, Nixville, SC, Charles (Betty) Butler, Scotia, SC, Dan (Adeline) Grant, Miami, FL, Brookie Priester, Fairfax, SC, and Kevin Ballard, Maryland; devoted cousin: Jacquelyn Frazier, Fairfax, SC, (36) grand – children; numerous great – grandchildren. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dedicated friends. His adopted family: Mr. and Mrs. Judge John Chaney, Fairfax, SC and devoted family: Sherry Davis and Scottie Gray.

You may email condolences at: mfrileysfuneralhome@yahoo.com.

Guest Book

Thank you for giving me a lifetime of lessons that have helped me over the years. I learned how to be successful, how to get it on my own merit. Thank you for always watching over "us" even when we didn't know we needed it. -- Your "moma duck"

- na

The SRP Family of Allendale would like to express our deepest sympathy to the Riley Family, look to hills from which cometh your help, your help comes from the Lord. ~ Geronia Johnson - SRP Family

- na

My Condolences to the family may god strengthen you all at this time he was truly loved and will be missed. Heaven has gained another angel. ~ Pamela Heyward

- na

It was always a pleasure to speak with Mr. Sonny. He will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time of loss and grieving. ~ Laura Seley

- na

Please know our loving thoughts embrace you. ~ Allendale County School Board of Trustees

- na

I'm so sadden to hear of Sonny's passing. Dot, you know I love your family. May God give you peace and the assurance knowing he is fine. I love you soooo much! ~ Fawn F. Foster

- na

Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time of sorrow. Sheriff Tom Carter & Staff ~ Allendale County Sheriff Ofice

- na

I will keep your family in my prayers. ~ Crystal Twiggs

- na

Please know our loving thoughts embrace you. May the peace that comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead. Our hearts are filled with sorrow. We are sharing your sorrow. With heartfelt condolences. To live in the hearts of those we love is not to die. Nothing can ever take away the love a heart holds, memories linger every day, remembrance keep them near. ~ Carl & Caherine L. Russell

- na

My prayers are sent to the Riley family, Mr Sonny Riley will truly be missed, I could always talk and speak to him, and he would always have a smile on his face, ! ~ Kindesha Williams

- na

Hi Cynthia Monroe to the family of my step brother Sonny Riley GOD IS THERE EVERY STEP OF THE WAY and he will truly be miss but G.O.D. knows best but he is sitting on right hand of G.O.D. with pray and comfort to he would all way be apart of all our lives his family is truly bless again he was a good man in heart and in soul and a very good husband and father and step brother too and the family will all way be in our pray your loving steps sisters Catherine Monroe Bell from Washing D.C.and Cynthia Monroe from FAIR FAX S.C. with love ~ cynthia monroe

- na

I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. Praying for the family. ~ Diana Padgett

- na

We are very sorry for your family's loss. Our heartfelt condolences are with you all. ~ Mrs. Rosa Edwards and Family

- na

To the Riley family from the Camp Branch community. Praying that the family will hold on to Gods unchanging hand and he will make everything alright ~ Joe Miller

- na

Sending our Deepest Condolences to the Family. Mr "Sonny" Riley was loved by all who knew him. He was an impactful part of almost every member of the Going Homes services for those in the Robinson Family! Will be praying that God gives you STRENGTH! MUCH LOVE TO THE FAMILY! RON AND ROXANN JACKSON ~ ROXANN JACKSON

- na

On behalf of the Priester family. We send our condolence. The Riley family will always be in our prayers. ~ Renette, General, Robert, Johnnie Lee, Scottie, Stephanie and Latonya Priester

- na

I'm sorry to hear of the passing of Sonny but God is still in control. I'm praying for the family. Mr. Steve Green ~ Steve Green

- na

To the family y'all are in my prayers this was a wonderful loving caring man and all his services to everyone he deserves nothing but the best and to the family remember to be absent from the body is to be present with the lord take you rest mr Riley farewell farewell ~ Recco Kinlaw

- na

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God's Comfort be upon you. ~ Cliff & Ree Hopkins

- na

We are so sorry to hear this. Prayers to the family. ~ Harold & Terry DeWitt

- na

We are so sorry to hear this. Prayers to the family. ~ Harold & Terry DeWitt

- na

MY HEART IS HEAVY AS I HEARD OF THE PASSING OF MR SONNY. HE WAS A WONDERFUL MAN TO ME AND A MANY PERSON. HE WAS A KIND MAN WITH A BIG HEART AND WILL BE MISSED BY MANY. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS DURNING THIS TIME. SINCERLY, SANDRA ODOM ~ Sandra Little Cabbage Odim

- na

MY HEART IS HEAVY AS I HEARD OF THE PASSING OF MR SONNY. HE WAS A WONDERFUL MAN TO ME AND A MANY PERSON. HE WAS A KIND MAN WITH A BIG HEART AND WILL BE MISSED BY MANY. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS DURNING THIS TIME. SINCERLY, SANDRA ODOM ~ Sandra Little Cabbage Odim

- na

The family has my deepest sympathy. ~ Mrs. Mamie Cave

- na

Sorry to hear of the passing of my cousin, I pray for the family's strength at this time. God will always be with you and comfort you. God Bless You all. ~ Evangelist Joyce Walker-Davis

- na

With Deepest Sympathy. Our Prayers are with the Riley Family. ~ Jacqueline Jones & Family

- na

Dot, Renique, and the rest of the family, you are in my prayers. May God strengthen you and guide you through this most heartfelt loss. Sonny called me his "little soldier" because of my military service. He was a soldier to the community. He, like his father and Gen before him, were always there for our family. Sonny's memory will always be with us. Lovingly, Neatta Patterson Zaragoza ~ Neatta Zaragoza

- na

Sonny was unique. Always a kind word and expression of friendship for all. He will be missed and his legacy will remain forever. 'TO LIVE IN THE HEARTS OF THOSE YOU LEAVE BEHIND, IS NEVER TO DIE' ~~Robert Orr~~: Timothy 4:7 "I HAVE FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT. I HAVE FINISHED MY COURSE. I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH !. Until we meet again beyond the rainbow. Ron Cook Sr. ~ Ronald Cook Sr., SLED Retired

- na

Sorry to hear, we worked in LE together and was on the school board with his Dad and sister Virginia ~ Michael Bridges

- na

I offer my heartfelt condolences to the Riley family. I will cherish the law enforcement memories of Sonny. I pray that the peace of Christ be with you. ~ Dr. Carolyn A. Davis

- na

To: The Riley Fanily, I am truly sorry to hear about the passing of Sonny. I have known Sonny & Dot for more than 20 years, and will always remember the kindness both of them extended to me when I first moved to Hampton County to work for the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Estill. He will be truly missed in law enforcement and serving his communities and surrounding counties in the low country. R.I.P. Sonny!! ~ CATHERINE THOMAS

- na

Heartfelt condolences extended to the Riley family during your time of loss. ~ Cornelius Fields

- na

On behalf of my staff and I of The Fairfield County Coroner's Office we wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the Riley Family. We will continue to left you all up in prayer. ~ Chris Hill-Coroner Fairfield County

- na

Condolences to the Riley Family. I will continue to lift you all up in prayer. Be mindful that the "Lord is our Shepherd" and our Comforter. ~ Yvonne Smith

- na