Robert Earl "Bob" "Papa" Riley

Funeral services for Bob Riley will be held Tuesday, October 18, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home, with Brothers Dale Moore and Charles Waddell officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Garden.

Mr. Riley, age 84, of Quitman, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by the ones he loved and that loved him; his caregiver and loving wife of thirty years, Cathy Riley, his sweet daughter, Karen Wright Lopez, and the light of his life, his grandson, Cody Lane Russell.

Bob was born and raised in Quitman, Mississippi. After graduating high school, he joined the United States Air Force, where he proudly and faithfully served for twenty-six years, retiring in May of 1977. While serving in the Air Force, he was a special aide to many 5 star generals, often traveling the world with them and taking care of their various needs. Bob’s family loved hearing his stories of the time that he served, and could always see the twinkle in his eyes when he told them. After retirement, Bob returned home to Quitman and went to work as a security guard for Atlas Roofing until becoming Chief of Security at East Mississippi State Hospital. After his and Cathy’s retirement from EMSH, they spent the following years spending as much time as they could with their grandson, Cody. Bob loved riding the four wheeler with him, which he did before Cody could even sit up.  We will miss Papa, but we know he is out of pain and at peace now and that we will see him again.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire staff of Hospice Compassus for their love and devotion during all these months. They are definitely angels sent from Heaven who took as good of care of the family as they did Bob. They are to be commended. We love you!

Pallbearers will be Cody Russell, John Lopez, Charles Pickett, Monty Russell, Mike Speed, Kevin Rose, Tommy Robinson, and Ricky Sullivan.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 18, from 12:00p.m.-1:00p.m. prior to service at the funeral home.