George Francis Riley

George Francis Riley of Decatur passed away June 20, aged 68, after a year-long illness. George was born March 28, 1950 in Atlanta to Francis J. and Janie Riley (née Chrietzberg). His early life was spent living all over the world as part of an Army family, including in Alaska and Japan.

He attended the University of Alabama during the Bear Bryant era, graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1972. His enthusiasm for ‘Bama sports continued throughout his entire life, as did his devotion to his fraternity brothers from Phi Kappa Psi.

George’s first career was in supercomputer systems software design, as both an employee of a major corporation and as owner and president of several small consulting companies related to the NASA space program. At age 45, George left self-employment, moving to Atlanta to pursue a Ph.D at Georgia Tech. He joined GT’s School of Electrical and Computer Engineering as a faculty member immediately after graduation in 2001. He sustained a deep passion and skill in teaching, earning several prestigious teaching awards. George was dedicated to his students as scholars and as individuals, always going the extra mile to ensure their success in academics, professional work, and in life.

George enjoyed spending time with family and friends, relaxing on the beach, playing the guitar, and following a wide range of intellectual and scientific pursuits. He was a car enthusiast, at one time in his life owning such classics as a red 1967 Mustang, a Mercedes convertible 560SL, and a 2006 Ferrari 360 Modena. George enjoyed cooking, and his omelet making skills were legendary along with his love of champagne while preparing them. Most recently he took up running, competing in a number of local 5k races.

George is survived by his wife of 31 years, Kristine Nagel; one daughter, Jenn, of Montreal, Quebec; three sons, Patrick (Mary) , of Los Altos, California, Michael (Hayato), of Norcross, and Matthew, of Atlanta; one granddaughter, Quinn, of Los Altos, California; and one brother, Andrew (Gail), of Madison, Alabama. His dedicated caregiver in the last months of life was Deborah Willis.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 23, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. in the Oak Grove United Methodist Church sanctuary, 1722 Oak Grove Road, Decatur, GA 30033. A reception will follow the service in Grand Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to:

Oak Grove Traditional Music Ministry
1722 Oak Grove Rd.
Decatur, GA 30033
http://ogumc.org/

FOCUS
3825 Presidential Pkwy
Suite 103
Atlanta, GA 30340
https://focus-ga.org/

Georgia Tech scholarship fund in memory of George.
Georgia Tech Foundation Inc.
760 Spring Street NW, Suite 400,
Atlanta, GA 30308.
Please indicate on the memo line "George F. Riley, PhD Memorial Fund."
Donations may also be made http://development.gatech.edu and click on the "GIVE NOW" and enter "George F. Riley, PhD Memorial Fund" in the "Other Designation" Box.