Michael Riley, 68, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed suddenly on Friday, July 24, 2020.  Mike will always be remembered for his warm laugh, calm and caring spirit, and of course his bright blue eyes that sparkled when he laughed and made everyone instantly feel at ease. 

Mike was a fourth-generation graduate of Father Ryan High School in Nashville Tennessee.  He received his Bachelor's degree in Organizational Psychology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1974 where he was a member of the SAE fraternity. 

Mike was a thoughtful and kind man whose devout faith in the Catholic Church found him volunteering at his parishes of Christ the King and Holy Spirit Catholic Church and the schools he proudly sent his children to, The Marist School and Christ the King School. 

Mike was an extremely loving and patient father, he never missed a sporting event or an awards ceremony, he always showed up on time and never empty-handed. An arrival home from school meant a fresh snack waiting. He loved a good prank and had a quick wit, each joke followed by his contagious laugh. The kids have decided, Mikey is up in heaven playing some golf, hiking trails, and watching baseball. 

Mike spent his early career years representing some of the most iconic lines of tableware and crystal through Waterford Crystal, Noritake, Lenox, and Wedgewood China.  He was a much-loved representative for many years before taking his love of people and eye for detail to the real estate profession.

His easy-going manner and caring spirit made him a natural in new home sales where he found his true passion.  A long time multi-million dollar producer in Atlanta he even achieved the #1 new home sales professional for the entire city in 2000 for his work on The Phoenix in the Buckhead community of Atlanta.  He was a trusted advisor and representative for many of Atlanta's top builders where his deep and personal connections with many of the city's top agents helped enhance the buying experience for everyone involved.

Mike will be immensely missed by his blended family and friends.   Mike was preceded in death just days before by his mother Pauline (Polly) Williams Riley and many years ago by his father, Joseph Patrick Riley. Mike is survived by three children: Catherine Riley, Caroline Oliver (Adam), and Trip Saunders.  His ex-wife Cheri Riley, his brothers Pat (Alice) Riley, Bill (Patti) Riley, Tim (Dawn) Riley and sister Karen Riley, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

His family and friends will always remember the joy of small gestures and simples acts of kindness he was so well known for.  This Irish saying seems appropriate:

Remembered Joy

I could not stay another day, to laugh, to work or play:

Tasks left undone must stay that way.

And if my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy.

If you have any personal remembrances or pictures to share please add them below. In this time of COVID and social distancing, we will not be having a traditional burial ceremony or service.  Mike loved the Trappist Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers and we have chosen to have him buried at the Honey Creek Woodlands Preserve on the Monastery Property under the forest canopy in a private ceremony.