Joseph “Pastor Joe” Ernest Riley, 63 of Long Beach, Mississippi passed away January 17, 2024, after a short illness.
He was born on January 20, 1960, in Columbia, SC to Richard Alexander and Frances Turkett Riley. Joe graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1978. Joe attended the University of South Carolina where he graduated in December,1984 with a pharmacy degree. He began his work as a pharmacist in Greenville, SC. While working in Greenville he met and married Jackie Moss in October 1986. He then attended Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary where he got his Master of Divinity in May 2003.
Upon graduation from Southeastern Seminary Joe accepted the calling to be pastor at Reddicks Grove Baptist Church in Williamston, NC. He went on to preach at several other churches, including starting The Way. Joe was minister of First Baptist Church of Pass Christian, MS. at the time of his passing. Joe was a devout Christian who loved preaching the Word of God. He enjoyed playing the guitar and singing gospel songs. He also enjoyed playing golf, fishing and being outdoors. Pastor Joe was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Joseph is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Jackie Moss Riley; mother, Frances Turkett Riley; siblings, Jean Riley(Woodrow) Miles and Richard “Rick” Alexander (Lee) Riley Jr.; nephew, Richard “Alex” Riley III (Jill); nieces, Angela Miles(Paul Threatt), Kathryn (Carlyle) Miles Jackson, and Samantha (Eric) Crane. Joe also leaves behind to cherish his memory two great-nieces and five great-nephews, three aunts, extended family, friends and church family. Joe was predeceased by his father, Richard Alexander Riley and a nephew, Steven Howard Miles.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, 322 E, 2nd Street, Pass Christian, MS 39571.
