Victor Alan "Vic" Riley

Victor Alan Riley, affectionately known “Flip” by his family and “Vic” by others, was a cherished husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend who made an indelible impression upon our hearts. His life’s journey began on November 4, 1974, as the beloved oldest son of Victor W. Donaldson and Linda Riley Donaldson. Vic was preceded in death by his father, his beloved maternal grandparents, Jacob and Effie Riley, as well as his uncle, Anthony Riley. Vic graduated from Swansea High School in 1994. He was so proud to have been recently inducted into the Swansea High School Athletic Hall of Fame with his Uncle Marshall and his favorite high school football coach, Dr. Robert Maddox. Upon graduation, he attended Auburn University on a full athletic scholarship. At the conclusion of his collegiate career, his journey took him to the pinnacle of professional sports after having been drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the 1998 NFL draft. He went on to play later for two other organizations including the Houston Texans and the New Orleans Saints where he later retired. Throughout his professional career, Vic's presence on the field was rivaled only by his jovial personality as he never met a stranger. It was during his tenure with the New Orleans Saints that Vic met the love of his life, Tara, with whom he shared a deep bond of love, faith, and companionship. Together, they raised two beautiful children: Victoria and Tyrique, whom he cherished above all. Vic was always a spiritual person recognizing the presence of God early in his life. While he was baptized as a child, it was his choice to be immersed as an adult as he continued to remain steadfast in his commitment to his faith journey under the leadership, guidance and teaching of Pastor Steve Allen of Destiny Christian Center in Laplace, Louisiana. Vic leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and compassion that will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of his beloved wife, Tara Riley, and two children, Victoria Riley and Tyrique Gibbs; his mother, Linda Donaldson; one younger brother, Marshall Donaldson; four loving sisters, Yolanda Denise Pensmith (Dennis), Tameka Riley (Jesse), Dessiree Riley, and Ashley Pixley; his mother-in-law, Irma Jean Gibbs; three godchildren, Fitzgerald West, Aaliyah Shears and Jordon Bray; three aunts, Mamie Jones (Terry) and Joyce Moore ( DeAngelo) and Lorene Riley; two uncles, Marshall Riley (Edna) and Julius Riley (Juanita); close friends, Cousin Marvin Riley, Kenneth Dease, Jerrod Zeigler, Jason Bray, 8 nieces, 4 nephews, 1 great nephew and a host of family and friends. Though Vic may no longer walk with us, his spirit lives on in the memories we hold dear. He will be deeply missed by all fortunate enough to have been a part of his journey. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend his Final Farewell Service at D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 10:00 am with Pastor Steve Allen, Officiant. Visitation will begin at 8:00 am. Interment: Garden of Memories Cemetery. Arrangements by Rhodes Funeral Home, New Orleans, LA. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to share online condolences with the family.

Victor Alan "Vic" Riley

April 8, 2024