Earl D. Riley

Earl Douglas Riley, 91, passed away on October 20, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee at Alive Hospice.  He was born in Franklin, Kentucky to the late Joe Perry Riley and Maggie Hiett Riley.  

Earl was a loving husband, father and grandfather.  He was preceded in death by his late wife of 53 years, Gladys Katherine Gannon Riley; sister, Frances Alderson; and brothers Rufus Riley, Lovell Riley and Jody Riley.  

Earl will be remembered as hard working after working at Ford Glass for 30 years while also owning and running Star Heating& Air Conditioning in Hendersonville for 40 years a long side his son, Mike.  He was generous, often helping others and foregoing payment for service.  Earl retired from the family business in 2015 but continued to visit the shop to talk with the employees and give his never-ending advice.  

An avid animal lover, he spent the last years of his life with his beloved companion cat, Trouble.

Earl is survived by his son, Mike (Susie) Riley of Hendersonville and Kim (Marc) Sullivan of Nashville; grandson, Carson Riley of Charlotte, NC and granddaughter, Allie Riley of Cincinnati, OH.

The family thanks his caregiver, Beth Trivett, for her kindness and compassion and also the staff at Alive Hospice for their care during his transition.  These individuals are true heroes.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alive Hospice Nashville at 1718 Patterson Street Nashville, TN 37203 (615) 327-1085, www.alivehospice.org