Roger Dale Riley, 78, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on October 3, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Though they grieve his passing, they find comfort in knowing he is now at home with the Lord.
Roger was born on May 16, 1948, in Houston County, Alabama, and lived most of his life in Midland City, where he planted deep roots and built a life shaped by devotion to his family, hard work, and love for his country.
He graduated from Dale County High School in 1968. In 1969, Roger joined the United States Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam War, where he was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart. After his Marine Corps service, he continued serving his country for 24 years with the Army National Guard.
Roger was a dedicated and hardworking man. He worked for Dothan Printing & Litho for 12 years, Michelin Tire Corporation for 23 years, and Lowe’s for 13 years. His steady work ethic reflected his deep sense of responsibility and devotion to his family.
On July 22, 1972, Roger married the love of his life, Carol Riley. Together, they shared 54 years of marriage, raised three children, and built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and love. Roger and Carol were faithful members of Northside Assembly of God Church, where they shared their faith and worshiped together.
Roger was kind, gentle, humorous, and loving. His warmth made people feel welcome, and his sense of humor could brighten even the hardest day. He had a gift for making others laugh and feel valued.
In his younger years, Roger enjoyed playing softball. He also loved fishing, camping, and spending time with his family. The camping trips, family gatherings, stories, and simple moments they shared remain among his family’s most treasured memories.
Roger was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and cherished great-grandfather. He took great pride in his family and loved watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow. To them, he was a source of strength, comfort, and unconditional love.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, C.B. and Vera Riley; his brothers, Tommy Riley and James Riley; his sister, Janice Marino; his brothers-in-law, Charles Uptain, Paul Marino, and Joe Mack Creamer; and his grandson, Christian Riley.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Riley of Midland City; his sons, Jamie Riley and Jared Riley (Amber); his daughter, Shelly Sapp; his grandchildren, Madison Cooper (Hunter), Bailey Buchanan (Tyler-Tbone), Whitley Bolling (Corey), Brantley Riley (Liz), Alex Sapp (Maura), Ethen Sapp (Erin), Emma Riley, Kade Riley, and Ava Riley; and his great-grandchildren, Kathleen and Wyatt Buchanan, Cohler Bolling, Bellamy Sapp, Ryles Cooper, Grant Sapp, Caroline Cooper (due December), and Baby Sapp (due May 2027). He is also survived by his father-in-law, James Earl Jenkins; his sister, Bobby Uptain; sister-in-law, Ginger Creamer; and numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Dothan Hematology and Oncology for the devotion, compassion, and care they showed Roger and his family throughout his illness. Their kindness and support will always be remembered and deeply appreciated. Roger leaves behind a legacy of service, kindness, laughter, and devotion. He will be remembered for the sacrifices he made for his country, his years of hard work, and, most of all, the gentle and loving man he was.
Though his family will miss his smile, laughter, and comforting presence, they are grateful for every year and every memory they shared with him. Roger’s life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and his love will remain in their hearts forever.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
A celebration of Roger’s life will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, October 8, 2026 at Northside Assembly of God Church with Pastor Joe Creamer, Jr. and Bishop Ricky Martin officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00pm to 2:00pm at the church. Roger will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park with military honors.
Serving as pallbearers will be Alex Sapp, Ethen Sapp, Tyler Buchanan, Hunter Cooper, Jeff Marino, Corey Bolling, Brantley Riley, and Kevin (Bobo) Floyd. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike McAllister, and his high school classmates.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
