Delbert “Lee” Riley, age 80, of Rogersville, Alabama died Saturday, September 24, 2022, at Athens Limestone Hospital. Lee was born April 25, 1942, in East Prairie, Missouri. Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Evelyn Gregory; brothers, James, R.V. and Buddy; daughter Melinda Landrum; and grandson, Dustin Landrum. He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Barbara Jean; great granddaughter, Elizabeth Landrum of Jacksonville, FL; Brother-in-Law, Bob Stephens of Lexington, AL; nieces and nephews.
Lee enlisted in the US Army in 1959 and served until 1971. He was recommended for Officer Candidate School and achieved a commission to the rank of Captain in 1966, then was ordered to Active Duty in Vietnam where he served valiantly until 1968. He received an honorable discharge in 1971, after having achieved many honors, notably the: National Defense Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars; Army Commendation Medal; Bronze Star (for heroic achievement); Meritorious Unit Commendation (for valor); Sharpshooter and Marksman Badges; three Overseas Service Bars, and numerous Good Conduct Medals.
After the Army, Lee worked for Dow chemical in Santa Paula, California, where he met Barbara. They soon married and moved to Rogersville, AL where they began team driving for Landstar, hauling military freight and hazardous materials, eventually becoming certified to transport explosives coast to coast. After several years, Barbara (his “Lady B”) decided to resign her position, and Lee was offered a job at Landstar’s corporate office in Jacksonville, FL, where he served as Facilities Manager at the Orientation Center from 1995 until he retired in 2021. During his time with Landstar, Lee received numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Accomplishment Award, Landstar’s Road Star, and the Million Mile Safe Driver Award. He was also an ATA Road Team Captain.
Lee was a man of integrity and faith. He was a leader as well as a servant of his community and his fellow man. He will be greatly missed by many.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022, 11:00 am at the Rogersville (Civitan) Cemetery, Rogersville, AL with Rogersville Funeral Home directing. In lieu of flowers, Barbara has requested donations be made to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation in honor of Delbert “Lee” Riley. Tax deductible donations can be made online at helpfightra.org, or mailed to 8815 Conroy Windemere Rd, STE 309, Orlando, FL 32835.
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