The Honorable Marion F. Riley, Jr.

10/03/1942 - 06/08/2018

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.

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