Jay Fred Riley, Jr.

Jay Fred Riley, Jr., 81, of Pampa, passed away May 29, 2018 in Pampa. Graveside services will be 10:00 AM Thursday, May 31, 2018, at Goodnight Cemetery in Goodnight, with Pastor Kyle Ohsfeldt of Grace Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. Mr. Riley was born November 6, 1936 in Amarillo to Faye and Fred Riley. He was reared in Amarillo where he attended Amarillo schools. He enlisted in the U. S. Army in 1959, being honorably discharged in 1962. In the early 1970’s Jay graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary to become a preacher. Later Jay would meet Judy Stephens and they wed on June 19, 1975 in Dumas. For a large portion of his life, he worked as a cowboy at various area ranches. Jay was a man of many interests and talents. With his love of the cowboy life, he became a cowboy poet, historian, musician, song writer and producer. One of the highlights of his life was playing with the Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys. But the one thing he cherished most was being a caretaker of “Ritchie” He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Survivors include his wife, Judy Riley of the home; two daughters, Janeane White and husband Jim of Midland and Tammi Ward and husband Pete of Canyon; a step-son, Brett Folmar and friend Kim of Seabrook; a sister, Bonnie Cooper of Amarillo; and three grandchildren, Blake Ward and wife Erica of Edmond, Oklahoma, Nick Ward and wife Michelle of Flower Mound, and Ky White and wife Amie of Las Cruces, New Mexico.  Jay was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jerry Tom Riley; and a step-son, Ritchie Folmar. Memorials can be made to Pampa Special Olympics, PO Box 375, Pampa, Texas 79066-0375.