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Dr. RileyDr. Rodney Wayne Riley of Eureka Springs, Arkansas passed away in Fayetteville, Arkansas on May 16, 2024, at the age of 86 years old.
Dr. Riley was a lifelong learner. In 1973, he earned several associate degrees, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh. In 1990, he earned a degree in Nursing from El Centro College in Dallas, Texas. He garnered a Master’s Degree in Education in 2005, followed by a Doctorate in Education in 2009 from the University of Arkansas. Then in 2014, he earned his Master’s in Business Administration from Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri.
Most of his life he worked as an Industrial Engineer. In 1990, he worked as a home health nurse. Upon retiring to Arkansas in 1999, he taught at North Arkansas College and Webster University, where he served as an Adjunct Professor. He was a member of the American Legion.
Dr. Riley served in the U.S. Army with various tours in active duty, as well as serving in multiple Reserve and National Guard Units. He obtained the rank of Master Sergeant, E-8. He ended his military career having the opportunity to serve alongside his son, Michael, during his last deployment to Desert Shield/ Storm.
On October 11, 1963, he began the greatest love affair of his life with his wife Rozan. He greatly enjoyed dancing with her, cherished everything about her. They were married for nearly 60 years.
Dr. Rodney Riley was preceded in death by his parents, Hattie Mae and Benjamin Jacob Riley and 13 siblings. He is survived by his wife, Rozan of Eureka Springs, Arkansas; and children: Michael Riley and partner Christina Johnson, of Spring, Texas, Dawnne Manning and husband David of Aledo, Texas, Roseanne Harris and husband Chris of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Shannon Riley-Dawley and husband Stu of Zimmerman, Minnesota, Sherrie Lofton of West Point, Mississippi, and Rodney Steele and wife Kim of Naperville, Illinois. Dr. Riley has eight grandchildren: Forrest, Autumn and Erin Riley, Skylar and Samantha Manning, Emily and Abigail Harris, and Wendy Miller. He has one great-granddaughter, Ellie Miller Those who knew Rodney, knew his spirit for life. He never met a stranger. He was always quick with a smile and a joke. Rodney was full of joy and love, always the optimist.
Rodney was also blessed with many friends throughout the Northwest Arkansas area.
Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at the Charles M. Nelson Memorial Chapel. Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Valley View Baptist Church in Eureka Springs. Interment will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Fayetteville National Cemetery. (memorial donations) Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at nelsonfuneral.com.
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