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Obituary For Dr. Walter Riley
Dr. Walter James Riley Nashville, TN We celebrate the home-going of our dear father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and great-grandfather. Dr. Walter James Riley was a magnificently kind and gentle accomplished surgeon. He leaves his family and friends with a profound legacy that endure for generations to come. He was born March 6, 1938, in Milan, GA. He graduated Valedictorian of Milan High School, pledged Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity at Fort Valley State University, where he graduated with honors in 3 years in 1959. He married Carolyn Riley August 3, 1962. He graduated from Meharry Medical College in 1964. He served his Internship in Pottsville, PA, 1964-1965. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Lockbourne Air Force Base in Columbus, OH, 1965-1967, General Medicine Residency. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1967. Served his Residency General Surgery at VA Hospital Des Moines, IA, in 1968, Residency General Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 1968-1970, & was employed at VA Hospital, Des Moines, IA, 1970. He was self employed as Walter James Riley, MD, PC for 45 years in Des Moines, IA, board certified for general surgery. He was a dedicated member of American College of Surgeons, Associate Professor at University of Iowa Department of Surgery, Associate Professor at Iowa Lutheran Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program, Associate Professor at Des Moines University of School of Osteopathic Medicine Director for 38 years, Iowa Lutheran Hospital Winter Medical Conference in Hawaii, Chief of Surgery at Iowa Lutheran Hospital, Chief of Surgery at Mercy Medical Center. He was an active member at Corinthian Baptist Church, Des Moines, IA. He was a philanthropist who gave generous donations to the church, civic organizations, universities, schools, and resident physicians. Member of The American College of Surgeons; Life Member of the National Alumni Association of Meharry Medical College; Member of the Boule, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and the Nashville Sportsman's Club. Dr. Riley Established: the Lena Riley Educational Scholarship, Corinthian Baptist Church Des Moines, IA; the W. J. Riley Scholarship Fund, Fort Valley State University, GA; the Dr. Walter and Carolyn Riley and Family Scholarship for deserving future surgeons attending Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN. Dr. Riley received numerous awards of excellence from governing bodies of Medicine, including 'ACE' (Always Committed to Excellence) award from Iowa Health System in 2011. Dr. Riley retired to Nashville with wife and family in May 2011. He leaves his loving wife of 53 years, Carolyn; daughters, Arlita (Anthony), Janice (Rodney), Angela, and Linda; son, Walter II; 7 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Louise McClairen and Eva (Counsel) Wilcox; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Willie and Lena Riley, brothers, Alonza Riley and Frank Riley, and sisters, Pearlenia Harris and Lizzie Mae Riley. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 9, 2015, 5-6:45 p.m. with Alpha service from 6:45-7 p.m. at Belmont Church, 68 Music Square. Visitation will be held Friday, April 10, 2015, 10:30-11 a.m with Celebration service to follow at Belmont Church. Interment, Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery. Terrell Broady Funeral Home, Inc., 615-244-4755.
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I knew Dr. Riley through an introduction from my dad, D.H. Nord M. D. My dad had such nice things to say about Dr. Riley. Not only was he an accomplished surgeon, but was a fine human being. I extend my sincere sympathy to all family members.
I also knew Dr. Riley through my father Dr. D.H Nord. He was also the surgeon for my wife. A great surgeon and real humanitarian. Really cared about his patients. My sincere sympathy to all family members. He will be greatly missed.
I remember the first day I met Dr. Riley in 1999 while doing a surgical rotation at Iowa Lutheran Hospital. He left a memorable impression with me from that very first day. Then while I worked in the ICU, I got a chance to know Dr. Riley as he came in to round on his patients. Of course the night shift got the pleasure of always seeing Dr. Riley as he would come in to round late into the evening. We always looked forward to seeing him. He finally talked me into coming to the Iowa Lutheran Hawaii conference in 2009. I figured I'd make it out to the conference, a one time deal. I have gone every year since. I have enjoyed working with Dr. Riley and also spending multiple years getting to know him and Carolyn with many wonderfull memories in Hawaii. They are definitely some of the nicest people anyone could ever meet. Dr. Riley has given me and many others, someone to look up to. He will forever be a mentor, a friend, and live on in our hearts. Thinking of you Carolyn and the rest of the family during this time. There are plenty of great memories to celebrate his life, a life definitely worth celebrating..... with love jennifer
I worked at Mercy Hospital in Endoscopy and had the pleasure of working with this great man. Always so kind and caring towards everyone. If everyone had his spirit this world would be a better place. What a wonderful man he was and a great surgeon. May God's grace surround his family and comfort them.
Please except my sincere condolences for your lost, may the GOD of comfort give comfort to the family, there is a wonderful hope at Rev.21:3,4 it states one day soon all sickness,suffering and death will be gone forever and we will see our love ones again. To learn more view jw.org
Dr. Riley was a kind and gentle man and a great physician. I had the honor of working with him at the VA in Iowa. He was a outstanding leader at that facility and a role model for many. His compassion was shown in the care he provided the veterans and the unique way he had with them ,as well as, with the staff. He exhibited christian fellowship and love towards others. Please know that his memory will remain. My deepest sympathy family, on this final transition of a Great Man,
The staff of Lutheran Endoscopy would like to extend our sincerest sympathy to your family. Dr. Riley touched many lives, in many facets of his life. Almost daily, people come through our doors who were patients of his and/or attended church with him. It was such an honor, privilege, and pleasure to know and work with him. We have dearly missed him, since his retirement, but were happy for him, regardless. We have many great memories and stories that we will always cherish. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Carolyn and Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of loss. We have so many great memories of sharing time together with you. We were encouraged in our faith and learned so much from you both. We will always cherish those special memories. At Iowa Lutheran, Walt was not only respected as a highly skilled surgeon, but also for his example in life. His legacy is centered not only in great medical care provided over 36 years in Des Moines, but also in the character he modeled for each of us. He will forever be remembered for his faith, his integrity, his warmth and his compassion. May the Lord bless you and give you his peace in this time.
To Sister Carolyn and All of the Family of the Kindest,most Wonderful and Special Friend anyone could ask for. After marrying Irvin Lewis in 2004, I was afforded the opportunity to get to know Dr. Riley and all of his wonderful, loving family. What he meant to my late husband and to me cannot be put into words. The rich, great memories are priceless. I will be keeping all of you in prayer, asking God to give you strength and comfort. Sending my sincerest thoughts and love and hugs, Sister Linda
I knew Dr.Riley through my father Dr.D.H. Nord,who was on the iowa Lutheran Medical staff for 50 years and said Dr.Riley was one of the best surgeons ever in Des Moines.A really nice and compassionate person.God Bless!
