Jeffrey Riley

FORT LAUDERDALE- Jeffrey C. Riley left this Earth to be with the spirit in the sky and his beloved Dean on New Year’s Day, 2026. He was 61 years old.

Jeff was born on February 19, 1964, in Concord, North Carolina—the year of the Mustang and the Beatles. He spent the first 40 years of his life in the Tidewater area of Virginia before moving to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 2006, where he resided until his passing.

He was preceded in death by his father, E.K. Riley, Jr.; his grandparents, Edna Blackwelder and Kyle Riley, and Katherine Taylor and Ransom “Peewee” Collins; his stepfather, Wayne Frieze; and his beloved partner of 33 years, Dean Smith.

Jeff built a career defined by leadership, dedication, and respect. He served as a supervisor for BP, where his exceptional service and commitment to excellence culminated in his being named Manager of the Year for the entire nation. He later retired as a supervisor with Cumberland Farms, concluding a professional life marked by integrity, responsibility, and pride in his work.

Jeff loved music (especially rock and roll) and treasured the many concerts he attended with his mother. These memories included unforgettable performances by the Rolling Stones, Bob Seger, Tina Turner, Cher, Annie Lennox, and U2. He also found joy in quieter moments, watching Friends and The Golden Girls, shows that reflected his humor, warmth, and appreciation for chosen family. One of Jeff’s greatest sources of pride was the beautiful orchids Dean grew with such care. Jeff loved showing them off to others, delighting in their beauty and in sharing the story behind each one. Jeff was a strong advocate for the LGBTQ community, but his compassion extended far beyond any single cause. He valued every person’s opinions and individual rights and truly “walked the walk” every day, leading with kindness, respect, and authenticity in all his relationships.

He is survived by his loving mother, Sue Riley Frieze of China Grove, NC; his mother-in-law, Doris Smith, and his sister-in-law, Debby Branch, both of Suffolk, VA; and many extended family members and dear friends in Virginia, Florida, and North Carolina who will miss him deeply. Special thanks to Jeff’s physician and treasured friend, Dr. Serge Gardere.

Services for Jeff will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Wilkinson Funeral Home, 100 Branchview Drive, Concord, North Carolina. The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m., followed by interment at Carolina Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jeff’s memory may be made to Julian’s Fountain of Youth Charity, 1414 NE 26th Street, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, phone (954) 594-3473 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital