Joey Riley

Joey Lee Riley Branson, Missouri Allen Funeral Home - Wylie Obituary On July 19, 2013, Joey Riley, a name synonymous with great entertainment, departed for Heaven, leaving the Earth the way he spent his life, surrounded by laughter and love. Survivors include his wife Kelli Riley, sister Terri Magill and husband David, brother Scott Riley, nieces Christen Magill, Charise Thomason and husband Jason and great nephew Luke Riley Thomason. Joey will join his parents, the late George and Clara Riley, grandmother Clara Carr and many cousins, aunts and uncles in a heavenly reunion. Joey was unable to overcome Stage IV Colon Cancer despite the overwhelming love and support shown by friends, fans, family and fellow Branson, Missouri entertainers. A benefit concert performed to a packed house in April, not only provided fans with laughs, smiles and classic Riley humor, but allowed the Riley?s to afford the best medical treatment available. 43-year-old Joey was born and raised in Wylie, Texas and got his start in his parents? music venue, the Wylie Opry, which they built so he and his brother, Scott, could have a family-friendly environment in which to perform. Joey was successful from a young age. Before he was 17, he toured with Capitol Records artist Gene Stroman and Suzy Bogguss playing the steel guitar and fiddle. He then toured with the Warren Stokes Country Revue out of Eureka Springs, Arkansas and added ?comedian? to his talents. After a couple years, he found his way to Branson where he joined the Texas Goldminors. Country music legend Mickey Gilley happened to be in the audience one day and asked him to join his show. Riley stayed by Gilley?s side for over 20 years. In 2012, Joey ended his tenure with Gilley and joined up with longtime friend and fellow Wylie native Clay Cooper. He performed nightly as part of ?Clay Cooper?s Country Music Express? and in his own show at Music City Centre on Branson?s famed Highway 76 strip. Joey?s funny faces, laugh-out-loud comedy, wild eyes and crazy antics have entertained families for more than 20 years. He will always be remembered as not just a singer, not just a musician, not just a comedian, but a great entertainer. The Riley family would like to say a special thanks to all the fans, supporters and friends who stood by them during Joey?s time of need. A celebration of Joey?s life will be held at 6 p.m., Monday July 29 at the First Baptist Church in Wylie Texas.