Stephen Russell Riley

Stephen Russell Riley, affectionately known as Steve to his friends and family, and "Poppie" to his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was born on October 4, 1942, in Canton, North Carolina, to David and Belma Riley. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center on April 2, 2025.

Steve's life was one of diverse experiences and unwavering faith. He attended Haywood County Schools and Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Georgia, graduating from Palmetto High School in Palmetto, Florida, in 1961. He began his professional life as a barber, owning and operating a successful barbershop for eight years. Fulfilling a childhood dream, he moved his family to Australia, where he co-owned a dairy farm and delicatessen.

Returning to the United States, Steve pursued his education in ministry, attending the East Tennessee School of Preaching and Missions in Knoxville, Tennessee. He furthered his studies, earning bachelor's and master's degrees in Biblical Studies and Conflict Management, and became a Master Practitioner in Neuro-Linguistic Programming. His dedicated service extended to the Maryville, Main Street, Rossville, and Lenoir City churches of Christ, where he ministered until his retirement. Beyond the pulpit, he impacted countless lives through counseling, wedding ceremonies, and numerous speaking engagements throughout the United States, particularly in the Southeast. He also shared his expertise as an instructor at East Tennessee School of Preaching and Missions (now Southeastern Institute of Biblical Studies), was a camp director at Hillbrook Christian Camp for many years, and volunteered for Hospice.

In 1963, Steve married Barbara Mikell of Tampa, Florida, and together they raised three daughters: LaDonna, Pam, and Renea. He selflessly cared for Barbara during her courageous battle with cancer. In 2001, he found love again and married Kay Grider Riley, with whom he shared his life until his passing.

Steve is survived by his wife, Kay; his three daughters, LaDonna (Bennett), Pam (James), and Renea (Brian); his four sisters, BettyAnn (James), Nanette, Kathy, and Debbie (Rick); his grandchildren, Jake (Hannah), Brandon (Emily), Reone (Chris), Cody, Jesse (Shelby), Kaylor, Riley (Autumn), and Ryan; his great-grandchildren, Neveah, Ella, Sadie, Emma, Stevie, Micah, and Lyla.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Maryville church of Christ. A celebration of life service will follow at 7:00 PM. The interment will be Friday, April 11, 2025, at Grandview Cemetery at 1:00 PM.