Riley Andrews Jr.

Andrews, Riley Jr.; age 87, whispered to his Heavenly Father “Take My Hand, Precious Lord and Lead Me Home.” Riley departed this life surrounded with wife and family at his bedside on Monday, July 31, 2023. He was born December 9, 1935 in Griffin, Georgia to the late Riley Sr. and Mattie Lou. Riley Andrews Jr., graduated from Central High School taking career training courses that prepared him for the workforce. He worked all of his life and then later retired from Buckeye Steel and the Ohio Dayton Malleable Iron Company. Riley led a contented and fulfilling life, as a singer with the group “Five Hearts and a Beat” they performed locally and toured different states. “Ned,” as he was affectionately known by his church family was a long-time faithful member of the Higher Ground Always Abounding Assemblies. Riley was a well-dressed man always color coordinating with his wife at all events.

Everyone knew he loved to watch the Cleveland Browns, The Ohio State football games, and the news. Riley stayed very active going on nature walks, traveling, landscaping his yard, setting up spectacular Christmas lights, and spending time with family and friends. Often times, you will hear Riley singing “Happy Birthday” to someone or serenading his wife with ballads such as “My Girl” and showering her with flowers. In his final moments, Riley renewed his wedding vows with his best friend Carolyn and a nurse was their witness. Their commitment to each other “in sickness and in health, to love and cherish, till death do us part” was the strength to their union. On August 18th they would have celebrated 22 years of marriage. Riley Andrews Jr. will surely be missed by all.

He is preceded in death by parents; Riley Andrews Sr., and Mattie Lou; brothers, Grady and Issac; and granddaughter, Ebony.

He leaves to cherish his devoted wife of 21 years; Carolyn Andrews, sons; Gary (Aldean) Andrews, Terry (Diann) Andrews, and Tyron (Tasha) Geiger; daughters, Marcy and Angela; 13 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; and special dear friend Robert M. Gooch, Sr., all of Columbus, Ohio. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and extended family.

The Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 13, 2023 at Higher Ground Always Abounding Assemblies located at 870 St Clair Ave., Columbus, OH 43201. Visitation is at 5:00 pm and Service will begin at 6:00pm. The Interment will be at Evergreen Burial Park, 1401 Woodland Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43219. The Funeral Procession to the Cemetery will be Monday, August 14, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.

Family and Friends will leave from the Funeral Home at 10:45 a.m.