Andrews, Riley Jr.; age 87, whispered to his Heavenly Father “Take My Hand, Precious Lord and Lead Me Home.” Riley departed this life surrounded with wife and family at his bedside on Monday, July 31, 2023. He was born December 9, 1935 in Griffin, Georgia to the late Riley Sr. and Mattie Lou. Riley Andrews Jr., graduated from Central High School taking career training courses that prepared him for the workforce. He worked all of his life and then later retired from Buckeye Steel and the Ohio Dayton Malleable Iron Company. Riley led a contented and fulfilling life, as a singer with the group “Five Hearts and a Beat” they performed locally and toured different states. “Ned,” as he was affectionately known by his church family was a long-time faithful member of the Higher Ground Always Abounding Assemblies. Riley was a well-dressed man always color coordinating with his wife at all events.
Everyone knew he loved to watch the Cleveland Browns, The Ohio State football games, and the news. Riley stayed very active going on nature walks, traveling, landscaping his yard, setting up spectacular Christmas lights, and spending time with family and friends. Often times, you will hear Riley singing “Happy Birthday” to someone or serenading his wife with ballads such as “My Girl” and showering her with flowers. In his final moments, Riley renewed his wedding vows with his best friend Carolyn and a nurse was their witness. Their commitment to each other “in sickness and in health, to love and cherish, till death do us part” was the strength to their union. On August 18th they would have celebrated 22 years of marriage. Riley Andrews Jr. will surely be missed by all.
He is preceded in death by parents; Riley Andrews Sr., and Mattie Lou; brothers, Grady and Issac; and granddaughter, Ebony.
He leaves to cherish his devoted wife of 21 years; Carolyn Andrews, sons; Gary (Aldean) Andrews, Terry (Diann) Andrews, and Tyron (Tasha) Geiger; daughters, Marcy and Angela; 13 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; and special dear friend Robert M. Gooch, Sr., all of Columbus, Ohio. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and extended family.
The Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 13, 2023 at Higher Ground Always Abounding Assemblies located at 870 St Clair Ave., Columbus, OH 43201. Visitation is at 5:00 pm and Service will begin at 6:00pm. The Interment will be at Evergreen Burial Park, 1401 Woodland Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43219. The Funeral Procession to the Cemetery will be Monday, August 14, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.
Family and Friends will leave from the Funeral Home at 10:45 a.m.
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GIVING GOD THANKS FOR ALLOWING US TO MEET RILEY. CAROLYN AND RILEY(OUR GOOBERS) ANDREWS 🙂 THANK YOU ALLOWING US TO PRIASE GOD AND SING TOGEATHER..WE MISS YOU GOOBER 🙂 IT’S TRUELY AN HONOR AND BLESSINGS TO HAVE YALL. PRAYING FOR CAROLYN AND ALL THAT LOVED HIM. GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN. I’LL ALWAYS REMEBER WHEN YOU HEARDTHAT SONG FATHER CAN YOU HEAR ME..HE HEARD YOU OUR DEAR FRIEND.!!UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN… REST IN HEAVEN AND KEEP ON SINGING AND SMILING.
Carolyn, you have my deepest sympathy. I remember the day you and Riley started dating. It was a God thing, you two were the perfect match. God truly gave you the best and God gave him the best. You two’s love for one another were perfect, everyone saw it and everyone knew it. I will be praying for you and I share your loss cause he was a good and faithful neighbor. God continue to bless and keep you! Love you much❤️
Carolyn extending my deepest condolences to you and your family. Meeting Riley while working with you was a joy because, he always made us smile and came dressed to impress and had a beautiful spirit. I know he was the love of your life and will be truly missed. I love you my friend. May God continue to bless and keep you always.
You both have always been a role model for what Marriages should be. Riley always let his light shine and no doubt he is his Mansion right now. Enjoy touring that city Riley. Carolyn prayed for you and the family God will send his angels to comfort you. He is always with us. If you look at the hairs on your arm and notice how close you have to be see them. God is closer to us ALWAYS.
Rest easy Mr. Riley!
Thank you my friend.
To Gary, Terry, and the Andrews Family;
Thinking of you and your family as you celebrate the life of your beloved.
We are praying for your peace and comfort during this challenging time.
Thank you so mush.
Carolyn and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God shower you with comfort, peace and strength.
Blessings and love,
Carolyn and Family,
Wishing I could be here to give you a hug, as Riley and I always said to each other “You keep on keeping on” praying comfort for you all.
Love you
Jackie (Frazier) Johnson
Carolyn
You are in our prayers, I can only imagine the pain that you are going through, when you are feeling down think of all the good times you both had together, you will find yourself smiling and feeling great joy in all time you both shared.
Grace and Peace
Puddin
Hi cousin Carolyn. Condolences to you and the Andrews family. Wish we could have been there to show support at this difficult time. We will keep in touch and keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Love now and always. Scottie. & Rosetta Clark
Love you dad