Harold Patrick Riley, 83, peacefully passed on to his eternal life with his Lord and Savior the morning of June 27, 2021, surrounded by his loving wife of nearly 54 years and large family.

He will have a private Military burial at Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to his Memorial Service at the Champion Forest Baptist Church Chapel at noon Friday, July 2, at 15555 Stuebner Airline Rd, Houston, Texas.

Pat was born in Beaumont, Texas, on July 19, 1937, to Mona Ogle and Harold Henry Riley, where he attended much of his schooling. He moved to Houston his senior year, where he graduated from Lamar High School in 1955. It was through high school workshop classes he developed his lifelong passion for woodworking, gifting his family and friends with many cherished pieces crafted from his hands, artistry, and heart.

While in high school, Pat earned a Naval ROTC Scholarship, sending him to the University of Oklahoma, where he graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering. After graduation, he served as an active Maritime Midshipman in the U.S. Navy for four years. He continued service in the Naval Reserves for an additional 16 years, then retired with rank of Commander.

Pat met his wife, Jackie, through a fraternity brother's introduction, during a month-long assignment in Tulsa, Oklahoma, early in his post-Naval career. They continued a long-distance love affair (between Oklahoma and Texas), through love letters and lengthy phone calls, where Pat couldn't resist the ultimatum of Jackie's young children, Renee and William, asking "Are you going to marry us, or not?" They promptly wed in 1967, then later added to their instant family unit, with son, Patrick.

Pat's unapologetic candor made him a reliable counsellor and source of trust, professionally and personally. While continuing his Naval Reserve commitments, he served in many prominent roles in the oil and gas industry for nearly four decades, first joining Amoco Production Company in 1964 where he eventually became General Manager. He moved on to various management positions, including Executive Vice President of Production at Aminoil USA, Executive Vice President of Production and Drilling at Quintana Petroleum, President of CNG Company, eventually retiring as President and CEO of Dominion Exploration & Production in 2001.

He served as Encourager for Between Jobs Ministries of Northwest Bible Church for 20 years, where he also served as Deacon and Chairman of the Elder Board, generously passing on his expertise and extensive knowledge to jobseekers. He also served as Committee Chairman of Young Life Ministries, where he volunteered for 45 years. He was Chairman of the Endowment Board for Northwest Assistance Ministries, where he participated in the annual Jeans & Jewels fundraising event. Pat participated in Men's Ministries and Bible studies weekly, with the addition of monthly Fellowship Group Bible studies and many other charitable endeavors.

Besides making homes in Texas and Louisiana, Pat especially treasured vacations exploring destinations and adventures with his wife, family, and close friends, visiting dozens of countries, where he golfed, snow and water skied, hiked, fished, hunted, ziplined and even kissed the Blarney Stone!

His love for family and friends was fierce and protective, and his passions in life were immersed in Christianity and family. Pat instilled in his children and grandchildren, through his example, his hearty work ethic, unwavering discipline, strong moral values, and fervent faith in Jesus Christ, emulating one of his favorite Bible verses: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15.

The Riley family expresses a heartfelt thank you for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers extended to them throughout the past several weeks. He will be dearly missed, as we also celebrate him being at peace with his Creator.

Pat is survived by his loving wife Jackie; his three children and their families: William and Cathie Riley, Renee and Danny Rea, Patrick and Darla Riley; grandchildren: Anna and Drew Hawkins, Jacob Riley, Alex Riley; Ali and Ryan Fontenot, Abigale and Trey Bocage, Riley Rea, Daniel Rea; Hayden Riley and Garrett Riley; and seven great-grandchildren. Pat is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Karen and John Olson of Florida, and two nieces, Sabrina and Cori. He is preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Northwest Houston Young Life or Northwest Assistance Ministries.