TSgt Dennis Joseph Riley

TSgt Dennis Joseph Riley, aka "Pop" or "DJ" (USAF retired), passed away peacefully in his sleep at home in Biloxi, MS at the age of 89 on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

Born on October 22, 1935, in Sioux City, Iowa to parents Francis Riley and Gertrude Built Riley, he was the eldest of 7 children and was raised on a dairy farm in Liberty Pole, WI.

Upon graduation from High School, he enlisted in the US Army as an infantryman and cook. After satisfying his commitment to the Army, he realized that was not his calling in life.

Dennis subsequently enlisted in the USAF and went into the technical fields. His tours of duty included radio relay, jet aircraft maintenance (certified on B52 and crew chief on B47), Atlas F missile maintenance, and technical instructor at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS. Throughout his military career, Dennis was stationed in Germany, South Carolina, New York, Biloxi, MS as well as multiple TDY's too numerous to mention.

After retiring from the Air Force, he was the lead technical instructor working for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) charged with teaching the new chemical operators at the Dupont, Delisle, MS plant electronics, hydraulics, and pneumatics.

Dennis was an avid antique car enthusiast, especially Ford Mustangs, of which he owned and restored many. An active member of Mississippi Coast Mustang Club and former member of the Antique Auto and Engine Club of Mississippi (AAECM), Dennis was a founding member of the Cruisin' Coast antique car event on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, which has evolved into one of the premier events in America.

Dennis is predeceased by his parents Francis and Gertrude, brothers Terry, Jim and Jerry. Dennis is survived by his wife of 60 years Irene Priscilla Riley, son Brian Thomas Riley and Maureen Elizabeth Mitchell, two grandchildren Briony Gaston, Logan Mitchell and four great-grandchildren, Levi, Millie, Finan and Riley, brothers Michael, Patrick, Kevin and sister Eileen.

Funeral Services will take place at Coalville United Methodist Church in Woolmarket, MS at 9:30 am on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Visitation will precede the service at 8:30 am. Dennis will be interred at the Biloxi National Cemetery immediately following the funeral at 11:00 am.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of TSgt Dennis Joseph Riley.