Joseph E. Riley

Joseph “Pastor Joe” Riley, 63 of Long Beach passed away on January 17, 2024 at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport.  He was born on January 20, 1960 in Columbia, SC to Richard & Frances Riley.  He is preceded in death by his father.

Joseph graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1984 with his Pharmacy Degree.  He began working in the Pharmaceutical field.  Then in 1985 he met his love, Jackie whom he wed after 6 months.  Together they grew together, and in 1999 Joseph left the Pharmacy and retired.  He then attended Southeastern Theological Baptist  Seminary where he got his Masters in Divinity.

Upon Graduation from Southeastern Theological Baptist Seminary, Joseph accepted the calling to be the pastor at Reddicks Grove Baptist Church in Williamston, NC.  He then went on to preach at Allen Memorial Baptist Church in Grover, NC and Beech Valley Missionary Baptist Church in Elk Park, NC.

Joseph Riley as most knew as “Pastor Joe” was a divine Christian who loved preaching the Word of God.   He enjoyed playing the guitar and singing gospel songs.  Pastor Joe was a Minister of First Baptist Church of Pass Christian, MS.  He also enjoyed playing golf and being in the outdoors.   Pastor Joe was loved by so many and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Jackie Riley; mother, Frances Riley; siblings, Jean Riley (Woodrow) Miles, and Richard “Rick” Alexander (Lee) Riley Jr; father and mother in law, Jack & Eloise Moss; brother in law, Warren Moss; sister in law, Ann (Scott) Johnson; nephew who was more like a son, Michael (Amy) Johnson; nephew, Richard “Alex” Riley III (Jill); nieces, Katy Moss, Laura Moss, Angela Miles (Paul Threatt), Kathryn (Carlyle) Miles Jackson, and Samantha (Eric) Crane; special friends, Ron & Selena Westbrook.  Joseph also leaves behind to cherish his memory two aunts, and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces & great nephews, extended family, friends and church family.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at the Eastside Baptist Church (308 York Rd, Kings Mountain, NC). A Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at the Eastside Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, 322 E, 2nd Street, Pass Christian, MS 39571 or Samaritan's Purse.

Riemann Family Funeral Home- Long Beach Chapel is assisting the family.