Jesse Riley Jr.

Jesse L. Riley, Jr. was a cherished father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend during his 88 years of life. Jesse passed away peacefully at home on February 26, 2024.

Jesse was born to the late Pauline Taylor Riley and Jesse L. Riley, Sr. in Bowling Green, KY on April 20, 1935.

He graduated from Russellville High School, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Louisville School of Law.

In 1960 he married Donna Lou Tuck. They spent 2 years in Phoenix and Miami respectively while Jesse served as a Special Agent of the FBI. They moved back to Russellville in 1962 to raise their family and begin his career of practicing law. He went on to serve as County Attorney for Logan County and Commonwealth Attorney for Logan and Todd Counties. He was a member of the Kentucky Bar Association and Kentucky Academy of Trial Lawyers. In 1991 he was named Outstanding Prosecutor of Kentucky. Jesse was also a long time member of the United Methodist Temple and the Rotary Club of Russellville.

Jesse was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna. He is survived by his son Mike (Melynda) Riley of Russevllville, his daughter Lally (Mark) McLean of St. Louis; grandchildren Jessica (CJ) Farris of St. Louis, Meredeth (Trenton) Burns of La Grange, Riley McLean of Houston, and Michael Riley of Russellville; great granddaughters Katherine Riley Farris, Lilian Jean Farris, and Claire Taylor Burns; his brother Jim (Sarah) Riley and two nieces. 

A special thank you to Kayla Scruggs and Dr. William Travis with Hosparus Health Barren River and to Jesse’s wonderful caregivers, Amy Henderson, Tee Maskin, and Regina Lee. The family will be forever grateful for the loving care Jesse received at home during his illness.

Funeral services for Jesse L. Riley, Jr. will be held on Friday, March 1, 2024 at the United Methodist Temple. Visitation will begin at noon until time of the service at 3:00. Burial will follow in the Maple Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jesse’s memory be made to the Isaiah 117 House Logan County Kentucky. Envelopes will be available at the United Methodist Temple at the time of the service.  Kirby Funeral Services Russellville entrusted with arrangements.

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