Mr. Norman T. Riley, age 91, passed away peacefully just before midnight on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at West Florida Regional Medical Center in Pensacola, Florida.
Born on January 3, 1934, in Santa Rosa County, Norman resided his entire life on the family homestead in the Blackwater River State Forest. He attended primary school at Springhill School and graduated from Munson High School in 1952.
After high school, he proudly served in the U.S. Army and was deployed to Korea as part of the occupation force following the Korean War. Upon returning home, he worked at Chemstrand (later Monsanto) before founding his own timber-hauling business. Logging was his lifelong profession, and in the early 1990s, he was honored as a Logger of the Year nominee by the Florida Forestry Association. In addition to logging, he also farmed several hundred acres, growing mostly soybeans. Beyond farming for commercial reasons, Norman always tended a vegetable garden, along with grapevines and fruit trees.
An avid outdoorsman, he found joy in hunting, fishing, and sharing stories of those adventures with friends. He loved hosting fish fries, which he did regularly, bringing together extended family and friends in fellowship. He had a passion for mechanical things—especially tinkering with old cars, tractors, and sawmills. Nothing pleased him more than working to fine-tune a saw until it cut just-right.
Norman enjoyed traveling and shared memorable family trips to places like Seattle, Las Vegas, New York City, Washington D.C., Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and the Smoky Mountains.
Music was one of Norman’s great passions, especially singing gospel songs—a joy he shared with many like-minded friends over the years. He sang with several local gospel groups throughout his life, finding deep meaning in the music and the fellowship it brought.
Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Guy E. Riley and Leona (Mercer) Riley; his brother, Dell C. Riley; and his sister, Mildred J. Roberts (and her husband Edward J. “Bunny” Roberts).
He is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Juanita “Nita” (Nixon) Riley; his daughter, Belinda Riley; his son, Wendell Riley (Julie T. Riley); and three grandchildren: Savannah R. Moak (Dylan Moak), Audrey E. Riley, and Scott A. Riley. He is also remembered fondly by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
In a poignant example of God’s perfect timing, Norman passed away on the day of his and Nita’s 68th wedding anniversary—reaching a milestone that meant a great deal to him.
Good Hope Congregational Church
Good Hope Congregational Church
Daniel and Vicki Arnold Hanbury
June 24, 2025, 8:39 pm
Our deepest condolences and love to Nita, Belinda, Wendell and other family. Norman was a deeply respected and greatly loved man. The good Lord just does not make them any finer than Norman Riley. He greatly loved his family and took excellent care of so many people from all walks of life. If more people were like him, this old world would be a far better place for all of us. I know he is in Heaven, sitting at the feet of Jesus and leading one of the biggest and best gospel signings of all time. What a reunion he must have had with loved ones. Our prayers are that God wraps all of you even tighter in His loving arms over the coming days/weeks as you deal with your loss and navigate an adjusted life without him here. Cling to the concept of eternity with him as our Savior has promised us.
Phyllis Yates Jernigan and Family
June 25, 2025, 2:42 am
My heart goes out to you all Nita,Belinda,Wendell and all your family! Norman was a small man in stature but what a big man in heart and such a giving person he was! My granny was his aunt Marie or aunt Rie as she was called! She loved him too as most people do! Will always remember my cousin Norman and so thankful I had the privilege of knowing him and his sweet family! Love you all and praying God’s love and peace over you all !! 🙏
Debra Chandler
June 25, 2025, 3:54 pm
Heartfelt condolences to my good friend Belinda and her entire family. 💔✨️😢