Willie “Buster” Riley was born August 22, 1953,  in Fairfield County, South Carolina, the beloved son of the late Wade and Annie Bell Thomas Riley, and reared by his grandmother, the late Bessie Thomas.  He was called to rest on Friday, December 13, 2024, at his residence in Columbia, South Carolina. 

Willie was educated in the public schools of Fairfield County, SC and was a proud graduate of McCrorey-Liston High School.

During his years of employment, he worked for Richtex Brick Company, Lexington Medical Center, and retired from the University of South Carolina.

Willie was a God-fearing man and was an active member of Zion Chapel Baptist Church #1.

With his endless humor and unmatched kindness, he had a way of making everyone feel like they belonged, and his jokes, always full of life, brightened even the toughest days; and  he never met a stranger.

Although he departed his earthly life and may have left this world, his humor, wit, and beautiful spirit lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. His laughter brightened even the darkest days, and his words still echo with wisdom and warmth. While he may no longer be physically with us, the joy and light he brought into our lives will never fade. His presence will always be felt, not just in the memories, but in the way he inspired us to find joy, even in the smallest moments.

 In addition to his parents, and grandmother, he was also preceded in death by three brothers,  L.A. Riley, Wilbur Riley, and Joseph Riley.

Willie is lovingly survived by his daughter, Michelle (Marcus) Heyward; two grandchildren, Shadae Mathis and Arshad Mathis; two brothers, Henry Riley and Ernest (Loretta) Weldon; sister, Helen Brown; family brought together by love, Shirley Smith, Kathy Covington, Chauntai (Timothy) Canzater, LaCosha Murray, Brittany (Rodrekas) Small, Dexter (Hillery) Smith, Shana McDaniel, Timothy Canzater, Jonetta Walker, Dexter Smith Jr., Osiah McDaniel Jones, and Nyla Smith; one aunt, Dorothy Riley; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends near and far.