-- Story provided by Adrian College Athletics --
Murrell "Buck" Preston Riley III passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Monday, February 14, 2022, after a long courageous battle with Alzheimer's. Buck was born on March 20, 1945 in Crestline, Ohio, to Murrell Preston Jr. and Geraldine Riley. He was one of nine children and grew up in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Buck graduated from Upper Sandusky High School and continued his basketball career at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma, where he graduated with a degree in Education.
"Coach Riley will definitely be missed," said Athletic Director Mike Duffy. "He was the stand out of a Coach. He truly held his athletes to the highest standard. His players were loyal and respected him in all phases of his program. He truly was a special person that I learned so much from him. Patience, loyalty, and hard work. Coach Riley was a mentor, father, and all round great human being to hundreds of young men over his years as a coach here at Adrian College. My thoughts and prayers go out to Jan and the family for their loss"
Coach Buck Riley found his passion in coaching basketball and had a successful career for 42 years. He coached high school basketball for fifteen years prior to taking over the Adrian College Men's Basketball program where he retired after twenty seven years. His high school stops included Licking Heights High School (Ohio), Kenton High School (Ohio), Amherst High School (Ohio) and Lakewood St. Edward's High School (Ohio). His legacy will live on forever in his players, he always found a way to create a special bond with all of the athletes he coached along the way. He was very well respected in the high school/college basketball coaching fraternities.
During his 27-year career at Adrian College, Coach Buck Riley recorded 275 career wins which ranks most all-time in Adrian men's basketball history.
Buck loved to play golf and tennis, along with listening to Motown music. He will be remembered for his warm genuine smile and friendly demeanor. He was one of the best story and joke tellers and was an avid fan of The Ohio State University. His passion was spending time with family, especially his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Buck is survived by his soulmate of fifty two years, Jan Riley; children Scott (Heather) Riley, Whitehouse, OH, Mike (Charlotte) Riley, Toledo, OH, and Kelley (Paul) del Valle, Daniel Island, SC; grandchildren Andrew (Ursula) Riley, Ashley (Pasha) Riley, Alyssa (EJ) Solimine, Grace Dusseau Riley, Summer del Valle, Lucia del Valle, Emmitt del Valle, Meadow del Valle and Mila Firchau; great grandchildren Barrett and Emmerson; sisters Sue (Billy Dean) Nelson, Sara (Al) Wayland, Debbie (Bob) Graham, Johanna (John) Hull, Rosalie (Steve) Miller, and Mike Anthony Riley. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Pat, and sister Bess.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 26 at Herrick Chapel on the campus of Adrian College. The family will receive family and friends from 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. The service will begin at 2:00 p.m. with a luncheon at the Tobias Room immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Lenawee and/or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
