Felix Tanner Riley, 88, loving husband, father, grandfather, and minister, left this life to be with his Lord for eternity on April 4, 2026. Tanner was born July 12, 1937 at Counce, Tennessee, where his father was working to help build Pickwick Dam on the Tennessee River, a TVA project. He was the son of Aubrey Hammond Riley and Mildred Elizabeth Tanner, both natives of Mississippi. Tanner graduated from Saltillo High School (Mississippi) in 1955; went on to receive his Bachelor of Music degree from Mississippi College, Clinton, Mississippi, in 1959; and then earned a Master of Church Music degree in 1961 from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas.
Tanner became a Christian at age nine and faithfully followed Christ all of his life. He served as an associate pastor and minister of music in seven Baptist churches in Mississippi, Texas, and Arkansas over a span of more than forty-four years, the longest terms being at University Baptist Church, Fayetteville, and First Baptist Church, Starkville, Mississippi. While at University Baptist Church (1976-1986), he served as Pastor of Music and Worship, where he not only led the worship services and choir, but also directed the New Creations college choir and took them on many tours around Europe and the United States. He and his wife, Thelma Crick Riley, retired from active ministry in 2002 and returned to live in Fayetteville where they have continued as faithful members of University Baptist Church.
Tanner was known as loving, gentle, humble, and loyal. Everyone who had a relationship with him knew that they were loved unconditionally. He taught all of us how to worship the Lord in spirit and truth with his attention to theologically sound lyrics and musical excellence. He also enjoyed his “sawdust therapy” doing woodworking in his carpentry shop where he built furniture for each of his children and made his grandchildren’s fantasies come to life with play swords, shields, tents, and even a cornhole game.
He is survived by Thelma, his beloved wife of almost 68 years, and three children: Teresa Frank and her husband Steve of Bentonville, AR; Tanya Vernon and her husband Scott, of College Station, TX; and Timothy Riley and partner, Casper Bryant, of Altadena, CA; four grandchildren: Grace Frank Burford, Jason Frank, Kylie Vernon Browning, and Nathan Vernon; one step-granddaughter Olivia Holm; and two great-grandchildren, Magnus and Freya Burford.
Visitation will be held prior to the funeral service at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at University Baptist Church. The funeral service will begin at 1:30 p.m., also at University Baptist Church with burial to be at Baptist Ford Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Lottie Moon Offering through University Baptist Church.
I remember Tanner and his beautiful voice so well from Mississippi College days. My condolences to his family and friends.
I was just remembering Tanner’s ministry at First Baptist Church Starkville the other day. I was so blessed to have him as a mentor there. I am sad that he has moved on from this earth, but rejoicing in his new heavenly home.
So sad to hear of TR’s passing. One of the significant adults of my teenage years. A true role model. Condolences to Thelma and the family. God bless you all.
Tanya, Mrs. Thelma, Tim and Family, I am so sorry to hear about Tanner’s passing. He was a man who loved his Savior, his family and music fiercely. I will always remember my time and trips with him to New Orleans and Jamaica with the University Singers at FBC Starkville. My father thought very highly of him as well. Condolences to you all.
Tanner, always a gentleman, had a great sense of humor. I enjoyed being mentored and coached by him. Ever patient with the choirs he directed, Tanner was well-respected and humble. He was and will continue to be greatly l Ioved.
T.R. Was forefront in my teen years and few people in my life held the respect and love I had for him. I cherish a piece of music he wrote for my cousin Jan way before I met him. I will always, always remember him.
Thelma, I have so many found memories of you when I was growing up in Indianola. Then I enjoyed visiting you at MC in Jennings Hall. I always loved Tanner and thought he was so handsome. Mama used to say that losing Daddy in spring 58 years ago was the only way she made it through the grief and sorrow. She saw the rebirth of nature everywhere and knew that was exactly what was happening in Heaven. She was a widow 40 years. She longed to see him. Praying for you abd your family. Love you so much.
Teresa & Family, I wish I had known your dad but I’m sad to say I only met him briefly at Jason & Laurel’s wedding. It sounds like he lived his life for God and was an example to all. Our heartfelt prayers are with you.
I have good memories of Tanner from our years at Mississippi College. I am so sorry for your loss. May your memories of Tanner bring you comfort. Peace be to you.
Thelma, we are so sorry for your loss. Dave and I met you and Tanner during our joint time at UBC. Your love for God and others was always evident. May God comfort and strengthen you.
I was sorry to read about Tanner. I always held great respect and admiration for him and the way he served the Lord. He joins the many friends I have lost as the recent years go by. Please know of my prayers res for you and your family
Though we are sad that Tanner is no longer with us, we rejoice that he is with his Lord Jesus. The Savior he proclaimed through life and song. He made a monumental difference in my life and the lives of many students. His example of compassion, humility and love was a guiding light in my life. I am forever grateful for Tanner, Thelma, Teresa,Tanya and Timothy for sharing their home and their love and care for me as an orphaned teen. Look forward to worshiping our Savior with Tanner again in that glorious heavenly choir!
We met Tanner only a few times, but he always welcomed us with love and kindness. Our prayers are with our daughter-in-law, Grace, and all the family. He left a wonderful legacy.
David & I first meet Tanner & Thelma when they came to University Baptist Church in 1976. Tanner poured his life into the collegian New Creations singing group who lead the music
at UBC for years. Since I never had a singing voice, I loved and appreciated the college students who sang for us. Maybe 20 years ago Tanner compiled a CD of the best & most worshipful songs the New Creations sang. I wore out 3 of those CD’s listening to them. I kept going back to Tanner for another CD. I still occasionally listen to that CD & it brings back so many memories of how the Lord has ministered to me thru those songs.
Our girls were 3 and 6 years old when Tanner & Thelma joined UBC so I knew Thelma thru her ministry with the children. I even helped out in the nursery. My fondest memory working there was one day I was in a down mood and one of the little boys who was about 1 year old gave me a “huge hug from God” and I still remember that many decades later.
Sorry we are unable to come to the funeral. What a celebration it will be of his life. God bless you as you grieve your loss.
When I entered MC in 1974, I knew almost no one. I was so glad to hear about Vesper Choir where this non-music major could enjoy singing, make friends, be encouraged in my faith, and worship with Tanner’s deeply spiritual leadership. I will never forget that time with Tanner and anxiously anticipate singing with Tanner again before His throne!
I have fond memories of Tanner in the early years of the Mississippi Singing Churchmen
His arrangement of “Speak My Lord” is one of my favorite songs this choir has sung.
I also was glad when he returned to Mississippi
I’ll remember Tanner for his kindness when both my grandparents died. He served with my dad for many years in Starkville until dad retired in 1994. Mom died last May and dad died last month. I’ll imagine all of them singing in that heavenly choir!
I am so sorry to hear about the death of Tanner Riley. He was a remarkably talented man and mentor. He touched so many lives through his gift of music, his kind heart and his example as a husband and father. He was a “good and faithful servant” for his Lord. I look forward to seeing him in Heaven. May God hold his family close during this difficult time. Much love, Gwen Shankle
Thank you all so much for your kind words about my father! He loved each and every person who was part of his congregations and choirs. I know he is rejoicing in heaven!
My heart goes out to Thelma and her family. Nick and I were in two of his UBC choirs in 79-80. We moved away, but never forgot his love for the Lord, his gentleness, and his humility. My fourth child was to be named “Tanner” in his honor, but God sent us a daughter. Last summer we moved back to NW Arkansas, and I found Tanner and Thelma in Bentonville and had the privilege of visiting him. I didn’t expect him to remember us (he didn’t–but he did recognize Nick’s picture from 45 years ago) but we were honored to get to reconnect with him in Thelma’s apartment. That was a special day. We did not see that he had passed until friends mentioned it on Facebook. I’m so sorry we missed the opportunity to meet his family and hear about his life. What a privilege it must be to have Tanner Riley as your father and grandfather! May God bless you all in the days to come. Dana Adams d59ada@gmail.com
Thelma, I’m so very sorry that Tanner has left us, but I rejoice for him that he has found his heavenly reward. My prayers are with you and your family as you navigate the year ahead.
I always liked Tanner. He and I were on staff at University Baptist in Fayetteville. He was
a dear and faithful friend, always greeted one with a warm smile and pleasant voice.
Tanner knew his music! It always honored the Christ we loved. My prayers are for and with Thelma and the family.
“Absent in the body, present with the Lord!”
As neighbors in Clinton, MS they were the best. Our love for Tanner and Thelma has continued through the years. I believe they are the finest Christians I have ever known. I am sorry I missed the announcement of his funeral, but we all know where his soul is right now. Please extend my love to the family.