Alice Nell (Ray) Riley

Alice Nell (Ray) Riley was born on July 22, 1946 and passed May 20, 2023, however it is the life in between, the dash, that is to be celebrated. She was born to James and Maggie Ray in Columbia, TN, with an older brother, Jimmy. She graduated from St. Thomas Nursing School in three years. In her long career in Nashville, she was a Labor and Delivery nurse, a Med Surg nurse, taught Expectant Parenting Classes for 18 years, and was a Charge Nurse. Alice knew nursing. Alice was married to Pat Riley in 1971. They met on a blind date, dated long distance for two years, then eloped one weekend while he was home on leave from the Navy. They had two daughters, Melissa & Allison, and one grandson, Shawn. Their love story ended after 50 years when Pat preceded Alice in death after a short battle with cancer in 2021. Alice was a take charge person in life, loved her friends and family, and most of all loved to help animals in need. Just like Pat, Alice fought a short but courageous battle with cancer, and is now with her loved ones. In lieu of flowers, please donate to MACC (Metro Animal Care and Control) in her name. Or, better yet, adopt an older pet friend just like she and Pat did. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 24, 2023, from 6pm-8pm at Harpeth Hills Memorial Gardens. Graveside service will be at 1:30pm on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at Harpeth Hills Memorial Gardens. Alice Nell (Ray) Riley 1946-2023; her dash is of a loving daughter, mother, wife, nurse, friend, protector of animals, and of someone who is dearly loved and missed by all. Rest in peace.