Alex Riley Obituary

Riley, Coach Alex Bobby Coach Alex Bobby Riley, affectionately known as "Poppi," beloved husband of Marcene L. Riley; loving father of Marque (DeAndre), Bryan, Barry (Sharese); stepchildren, Angelina and Christopher; goddaughter, Anita King of Gary, IN; grandchildren, Briana, Reyanna, Tajane' Cheney, D'Marques, Danitra (Charlie) Miles, Trevor, Dalisia, Meyanna, Alexis, and Myles; great-grandchildren, Jalanni, Tommy Jr., Cayson, and Emery; siblings, Melvin Roland and Gwendolyn Marshall; brother-in-law, Sylvester (Felecia) Toliver; sister-in-law, Minister Loeita Taylor-Davidson; best friend, Donald "Dexter" Ford; and a host of loving nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, coaches, former and promising athletes all around the U.S.A., left this earthly life, Monday, August 20, 2018. Alex Bobby Riley was born December 18, 1940 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Alexander Riley and Carrie Smith. He was the third child born of six. His parents and three siblings, Gerald, Ruby and Evelyn preceded him in death. Attended Doolittle Elementary School and graduated from George Washington Carver High School in Altgeld Gardens - Class of '59. At an early age Alex professed faith in Christ and rededicated his life to the Lord as a member of several assemblies most recently Apostolic Church of God. He was involved with Security, but his passion was The Saving Grace Media Ministry. Alex served in the United States Army, spending two years overseas in Germany. Upon completion he received an Honorable Discharge from the military. Alex was employed at Electro-Motive Division, where he stayed for 30 years retiring in 1993 at the age of 52. Coach Riley enjoyed the challenge of inspiring students to perform their best, physically and mentally to develop their aquatic skills and took pleasure in teaching swimming to students of all ages including water aerobics for adults and summer camp programs. His aquatic expertise included Chicago State Swim Club currently known as Chicago South Swim Club, Julian High School, Donnley Youth Center, City Colleges of Chicago- (Olive Harvey and Kennedy King). Saturday, September 1, 2018, Visitation 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Services have been entrusted to: Woodruff Funeral Home, 16774 Dixie Highway, Hazel Crest, IL 60429. Sunday, September 2, 2018, Wake 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Funeral Services 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. New Life Christian Fellowship, 1645 Wilson Ave., Chicago Heights, IL 60411. Pastor Christopher Salley, Officiant. Tuesday, September 4, 2018, Internment Cedar Park Cemetery, 12540 South Halsted Street, Calumet Park, IL 60827. Leaving Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m.