Robert Warren Riley, Jr.

Robert W. Riley Jr., age 77, passed away peacefully at his home in Glendale, Arizona, surrounded by his loving family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born on August 30, 1947, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Robert was the son of Robert W. Riley Sr. and Martha Lou Glover Riley. He graduated from Wynne High School in 1965 and went on to study music at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Barbara “Bo” Riley.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 35 years, Jan Jordan Riley; his children, Kelly Riley Arnold and her husband, Travis, of Duncan, Oklahoma; Robert W. Riley III (Bob) and his fiancée, Kayley Dardano, of Salt Lake City, Utah; and Melissa Collins of Glendale, Arizona. He was a proud grandfather to Sean Cusack, Zahler Collins, Braylon Collins, and Georgia-Ann Collins. He is also survived by his stepmother, Maria Rose Riley, of Cabot, Arkansas, and two brothers, Tommy Riley of Glendale, Arizona, and Mike Riley of Marion, Arkansas.

Robert co-owned a nuclear engineering consulting firm with his wife, Jan, and his longtime friend, business partner, and golfing buddy, Susan Griffin of Rome, Georgia.

He was a man who deeply loved his family and especially cherished time with his grandchildren. An avid golfer, Robert played weekly until his illness made it too difficult. Though he claimed fishing was his true passion, those who joined him—especially his fishing buddy, Andy Watzek—knew he spent more time tangled in trees and bushes than reeling in fish.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Robert held season tickets to both the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Arizona Cardinals, often attending games with his dear friend, Dave Meese, of Litchfield Park, Arizona. He was also one of the biggest Arkansas Razorbacks fans you’d ever meet.

Robert’s larger-than-life personality, quick wit, and generous spirit made him the life of every party. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.