O.J. Riley

On February 10, 2024 Olen John Riley (OJ), passed away surrounded by family at the United Regional Hospital in Wichita Falls, TX.

OJ was born in Olney, TX on August 29,1944, the only child to Olen and Jewell (Usry) Riley. He grew up in Throckmorton, TX, where he graduated high school. He got married and had five special children. Being an only child was lonely for him, so he decided to have a big family. He farmed the family land until his oldest son started school and he wanted to be more involved, so he decided to get a job at Throckmorton ISD and continued farming at night. Later, he began working as a truck driver for many different moving companies, where he retired from United, United,United.  In his free time, he made sure he continued his passion and love for gardening and painting. His biggest accomplishment was his children, and he took pride in his work to be able to support his family as a single father. After moving his family to Abilene, TX his home was always open to everyone, especially those who could use his extra love.   

He is preceded in death by his father, Olen Riley, his mother, Jewell (Usry) Riley, his two sons, Johnny Baize Riley, Marolen Riley, and one grandson, Riley Beltz. He is survived by his daughter in law, Angela Riley of Coleman, TX, his three daughters affectionately known as his “Honey Babies”, Jewell and Russell Beltz of Clyde, TX, Cristy and Dave Davis of Throckmorton, TX, Tommie and Devin Hicks of Hawley, TX., his eight grandchildren, Jenny and John Jones of Trent, TX, Sarah and Dustin Martin of Fort Worth, TX, John and Tera Beltz of Clyde, TX, Kathleen and Cameron Hankins of Lubbock, TX, Tanner Beltz of Clyde, TX, Cody Hicks of Hawley, TX, Jody and Bayley Hicks of Houston, TX, Jesse and Cheyenne Hicks of Merkel, TX, his nine great grandbabies, the love of his life, Zoe Martin, Brookanna Jones, Skyler Martin, Emily Jones, Foster Hankins, Aiden Martin, Isabella Jones, Roper Brown, and Matthew Jones. 

The three most important things in his life were his faith in God, his family, and his love for God’s Country (Throckmorton, TX). Always making sure even in hard times to keep his faith in God number one. He was a proud member of the Clinton Street Church of Christ where he attended the majority of his life. We would like to give a special thanks to Randy King, the medical staff of Throckmorton Medical Clinic, and the staff of United Regional Hospital. 

The visitation will be at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, February 14, 2024, followed by a family luncheon at 12:00 P.M., and the funeral will begin at 1:30 P.M. All services will be at Throckmorton Church of Christ. Directly after the funeral will be the graveside service at Bush Knob Cemetery in Throckmorton County TX under the direction of Archer Funeral Home, Seymour. 

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