Frank Edward Riley

Frank Edward Riley was born on July 20, 1941 in Durham County, NC. He was the son of the late Lewis Thomas Riley and the late Cornelia Mangum Riley (Clayton). He passed away on June 28, 2022, with his daughter and wife by his side.

Frank grew up in a rural farming community with his parents and eight siblings. Frank, the second youngest child in his family, took on significant responsibilities early in life due to his father’s unexpected death and the departure of his older brothers to start families of their own. This experience taught him the value of ingenuity, perseverance, and duty.

Frank graduated from Little River High School in Durham, NC in 1959 and joined the military in 1962, following several of his brothers. He enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he further developed his innate acuity for electronics and problem-solving, as well as the robust characteristics cultivated during his childhood. After earning a certification in aircraft mechanics, completing several overseas tours, receiving distinction for outstanding performance of duty, and being nominated for Outstanding Maintenance Man, Frank was honorably discharged in 1966.

After his military service, Frank worked in a series of positions in manufacturing and engineering. In 1979, Frank married the love of his life, Nellie Feaster Riley, now deceased, who encouraged his educational goals. Eventually he decided to pursue higher education in engineering. He enrolled in the Business Administration Data Processing Program at North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC. He had been a student less than a year when he was recruited by International Business Machines (IBM) in 1981. He rapidly progressed through the ranks, moving from a Service Planning Representative to Advisor System Engineer in under two years.

For the next decade, Frank provided technical marketing support for all of IBM’s retail and distribution customers, including Walmart, Kroger, The Limited, Goodyear, Revco, Kmart, Winn Dixie, and Woolworth. He also served as Advisor System Engineer, through IBM, for the entire State of North Carolina. Frank eventually left IBM and completed his career as the Director of Information Systems for the State of North Carolina, retiring from this position in 1995.

Frank had a strong passion for working with his hands and applying his analytical skills. He satisfied this thirst with gardening, carpentry, photography, and friendly debates. At his core, Frank was a loyal friend and true family man. He aspired to provide the best for all who knew him and consistently offered support from behind the scenes.

A devoted husband and father, Frank leaves to cherish his loving memory: daughter, Frankye Jeanelle Riley of Durham, NC; three brothers, Victor E. Riley (Doris, deceased) of Dale City, VA; Fred M. Riley (Carol, deceased) of Denver, CO; and Gerald Riley (Ticamiya) of Durham, NC; and many more nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives and friends.