Services

Graveside Service

Wed. Oct. 14, 2026
11:15 am

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

1520 Harry Wurzbach Road
San Antonio ,TX78209.
Wed. Oct. 14, 2026
11:15 am
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Road
San Antonio ,TX78209.
In Memory of
Paul Dwain Riley Sr.
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Exodus 35:34
“The Heart of Bezalel”

Psalm 71:18
"Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, until I proclaim your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come."

In Loving Memory of Paul

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Paul, a beloved father, husband, veteran, professional basketball player, mentor, friend, and a man whose life was defined by family, service, and helping others.

Paul lived a life of quiet strength and service. Although he accomplished much throughout his life, he was never one to boast about his achievements. He was a deeply private person who preferred to let his actions speak for him. He never sought recognition or praise for the things he did for his country, his family, or the young people he helped. Those who knew him best understood that much of what he accomplished was simply part of who he was.

Paul’s passion for basketball began early in his life and became an important part of who he was. He had the opportunity to play professional basketball overseas for several years, dedicating himself to the sport he loved. Basketball was more than a game to Paul—it became a lifelong passion and, later, a way for him to make a difference in the lives of young people.

Following his professional basketball career, Paul devoted 20 years of his life to serving in the military. His years of service reflected his dedication, discipline, loyalty, and willingness to put others before himself. His service to his country was something he carried with pride, even though he rarely spoke about his accomplishments.

After his military service, Paul continued giving back through his love of basketball and his passion for helping young people. He was deeply committed to helping student athletes pursue basketball scholarships and opportunities for their futures. He shared his knowledge, experience, and passion for the game to help young people believe in themselves and create opportunities they might not otherwise have had.

Paul believed in giving young people a chance. He mentored them, encouraged them, and helped them see possibilities for their futures. He helped because he cared—not because he wanted recognition.

But above everything else, Paul was a father.

His children were his greatest pride and his greatest love. He loved his boys more than life itself and would drop everything for them. Family always came first, and anyone who knew Paul knew how deeply he loved and protected his children.

His love for his children was not only something they felt—it was something he openly expressed.

One especially touching memory came from his daughter, who once asked if she could carry his last name. Paul remembered the moment she chose him as her dad and shared how deeply that moment touched him. He remembered picking her up from daycare when she was little and the memories they shared throughout her life.

Her decision to carry his name became a beautiful reflection of the bond between a father and daughter—a bond that will continue long after his passing.

Paul’s friends remember him as a proud father, a loyal friend, a dedicated veteran, a passionate basketball player and mentor, and someone who was always willing to help others.

Paul leaves behind his children, family, friends, fellow veterans, former teammates, and the many young people whose lives he touched through basketball, mentorship, generosity, and friendship.

His legacy will live through his children, through the young athletes he encouraged, through the people he served alongside, and through everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.

He served his country.
He served his family.
He served his community.
And he served the next generation.

Paul’s final wish was to be laid to rest in Texas, alongside his mother. His family will now honor his final wish and bring him home to rest beside her.

Although Paul’s life on earth has ended, the impact of his life will continue through the people he loved and the lives he touched.

May he rest peacefully, free from pain, and may his memory forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him.

 

 

A Personal Farewell From His Wife

Paul,

You were a part of my life for 27 years. We shared a lifetime of memories, challenges, beautiful moments, difficult moments, and, most importantly, the greatest gift of our lives—our children.

Through every chapter of our lives, we remained family and continued to show up for our children. Whatever life brought our way, our children always gave us a reason to be there for one another.

When you became too weak to speak for yourself, I became your voice. I advocated for you, asked questions, fought to make sure you were heard, and stood beside you when you needed someone to do it for you.

In your final weeks, I wanted to ensure that you are surrounded by peace, gratitude and love.

I came to see you every day. I sat beside you. I held your hand. I watched you fight. And I stayed with you through the hardest chapter of your life.

On your final night, I stayed connected to you by phone. I heard your breathing and the sounds around you. I didn’t know that I was hearing your final breath, but I was there with you in the only way I knew how at that moment.

When I came to the hospital, I kissed your forehead one last time and held your hand.

I told you I was sorry that I couldn’t save you.

The truth is, I wish I could have taken your pain away. I wish I could have made your body fight a little longer. But I know now that there are some things we simply cannot control.

I hope your spirit and soul know that I came.

I hope you know how deeply you were loved.

And most of all, I hope you know that you don’t have to fight anymore.

You are finally free from pain.

You will always be the father of our children. You will always be part of their story, and you will always be part of mine.

Your boys will carry your legacy.

Your daughter will carry your name.

The young people you helped will carry the lessons you gave them.

And everyone whose life you touched will carry a piece of your memory forward.

Rest peacefully, Paul.

After 27 years of life together, this isn’t goodbye to everything you meant to us.

It’s goodbye to your suffering.

No matter where life takes us, you will always have a place in my heart. I will love you forever.
Until we meet again. ❤️**