Edward Ray Riley Jr., 57, of Salem passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at St. Louis University Hospital. He was born on July 30, 1968, in Peoria, the son of Edward R. Riley Sr. and Lorene (Berning) McMillan.

Survivors that will remember Ed’s friendly smile include his beloved son, Nathan “Nate” Riley; siblings, Teresa Cain, Kate Baker, Melchelle Wagner, Jerry Riley, Kevin Riley, and Tim Riley; aunt and uncle, Debbie and Fran Ketteman; special extended family, Bill and Diane Emery and family, Betty Britt, and Dewey, Sherry, Sydney and Jacob Stephens; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ed was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents; and his father, Edward Riley Sr.

Ed served in the United States Army, four years active duty at Fort Devens, MA, followed by service in the reserves. He worked for the Department of Corrections, bringing his attention to detail as a correctional officer at Big Muddy and Centralia Correctional Center. An avid hockey fan, his competitive nature had him cheering his favorite team on to victory. Ed’s whole world and his entire heart was filled with dedication to his son, Nate. It was Ed’s joy to be Nate’s Dad, and he was laser focused on providing him with a wonderful life. It is with heavy hearts that Ed’s loved ones remember and celebrate his life filled with love and sacrificial devotion.

A celebration of life service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Patoka First Christian Church with Preacher Seth Schnautz officiating. Interment will be at Vernon City Cemetery at a later date. Relatives and friends are welcome to a visitation from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the church in Patoka. Memorials may be made in Ed’s honor to the Family’s Wishes and will be accepted for the family at Macz Funeral Home 234 South Elm St. Centralia, IL 62801. Online condolences and memories of Ed may be shared with his family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Day Macz Funeral Home in Patoka is privileged to be assisting the family of Ed Riley Jr.