Douglas Henry Riles

Heaven gained a precious, sweet, and loving man on March 30, 2016 when Douglas H. Riles left his earthly home to enter his eternal home. Doug was born on January 25, 1928, and passed away at SCRMC on March 30, 2016. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elouise Aaron Riles; his parents, Beatrice Breland Riles and Louis Harvey Riles, Sr.; one brother, Louis Harvey Riles, Jr.; and one nephew, Andy Riles. Mr. Riles was a veteran, having served in the United States Navy until November, 1947, and spent his life in Laurel, MS. He was known to many as Mr. Doug, the guy who can fix almost any gun, at Biglane Sports and Extreme Outfitters. He had a heart for people and would do everything he could to make sure you were happy. Doug had to retire from Masonite as the result of a massive heart attack in 1984, but even that couldn’t keep him down. His positive outlook and compassion for people kept him going until the Lord said, “Welcome Home.” He gave unselfishly of himself as he was full time caregiver to the love of his life, his wife, Elouise, until her death in February 2014. His family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren, were the inspiration for all his stories, and spending time with friends and family was his priority. He never met a stranger; everyone loved him, and his sweet spirit made you feel like he would never forget you, and he never did. Survivors include one son, Mickey Riles and wife, Donna of Ridgeland, MS; one daughter, Becky Riles Ellzey and husband, John of Laurel; four grandchildren, Alyson Riles Dallas and husband, Joe of Nashville, TN; Brad Riles and wife, Sara of Madison, MS; Matthew Saul of Bossier City, LA; Kelly Kennedy and husband, Jason of Haughton, LA and one step grandson, Nick Ellzey of Baton Rouge, LA; seven great-grandchildren, Ethan and Leyton Dallas; Jack, Robert and Luke Riles; Memphis Saul and Tenley Kennedy. He is also survived by one sister-in-law, Hilda Aaron of Baton Rouge, LA; three brothers-in-law, Stanley Aaron and wife, Betty of Petal, MS, Tommy and Johnny Aaron of Bay Springs, MS; five nephews and their families, Louis Riles (Kathy), Stan Riles (Shana), Allen Aaron, Terry Aaron and Michael Aaron (Heidi), and one niece and her family, Linda Sue Riles Davis (David). Visitation will begin at 12 noon on Sunday, April 3, at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel and services will follow at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow at Sunset Gardens Cemetery. Rev. P. J. Weeks of Rain Down Ministries and Dr. Billy Dowdy of Magnolia Baptist Church will officiate. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Brad Riles and Matthew Saul; nephews, Louis Riles, Stan Riles, Allen Aaron, Terry Aaron, and Michael Aaron; and Joe Dallas. In lieu of flowers, deposits may be made to an account set up at Regions Bank under the name of Douglas H. Riles to help with the numerous financial obligations that his granddaughter, Kelly Kennedy, is facing with her daughter, Tenley. Tenley was born in February with half a heart (HLHS) and had her first heart surgery when she was only a week old. Kelly & Jason are facing additional lengthy hospital stays and surgeries for Tenley. To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Douglas Henry Riles

January 25, 1928 - March 30, 2016