Bishop Larry Darnell Riley, a devoted pastor and community servant, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, in Jacksonville, FL, at the age of 71. Born in Oakland, CA, he was the third of nine children of George and Ethel Riley. He graduated from Grant High School and pursued electrical technology at Laney College, where he also excelled in track and field.

Larry accepted Christ at an early age and began his ministry journey in 1989 at Santa Cruz Missionary Baptist Church under Pastor John W. Baker, Sr. After relocating to Jacksonville, FL, in 1994, he joined St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, serving under Dr. John Guns. In 1998, he was called to pastor New St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Baldwin, FL, where he led the congregation for over 25 years. Known for his compassionate heart and powerful preaching, Bishop Riley was dedicated to outreach and managed food distribution through Second Harvest Food Bank for more than two decades.

He is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia Riley; children Delinda Riley, Marcelle Gayden, Kerry Baker Jr., Yolonda Guthrie, Shamikka Cummings, Anissa Youngblood, and Walter Williams III; five siblings; and a host of grandchildren, extended family, church members, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings.

Services to honor Bishop Riley's life will include a viewing on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at New St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 550 Franklin Street, Baldwin, Florida 32234. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the same location, followed by interment at Piney Grove Cemetery, 199 Lima Street, Baldwin, Florida 32234.