John Carl Riley, III, 70, of Dix, passed away at 9:12 p.m., Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at his home.

He was born April 14, 1956, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, the son of John Carl Riley, Jr., and Wanda Mae (Solomon) Riley.  On June 21, 1975, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, he married Betty Jo Hohl, and she survives in Dix.

John was a graduate of Rome Grade School and Mt. Vernon Township High School.  He was the owner of Riley T.V. Hospital for many years, and also worked for TA Travel Center performing Fuel/Water Separator Testing.  He was a member of Meadowbrook Christian Church, and was a member of the Rome Lodge #721 A.F. and A.M., and later, Mt. Vernon Lodge #31 A.F. and A.M., and the Ainad Shrine.  He served as Rome Township Supervisor, Precinct Committeeman, Vice President of the Jefferson County Township Officials Association, and served on the Illinois Township Supervisors Board of Directors and the Dix-Kell Water and Sewer Board of Directors.  He was also the founder of the Dix-Kell Cable Company.  He loved farming and fishing.

In addition to his wife, Betty Riley of Dix, he is survived by two daughters, Melissa O’Bryan and husband Billy, and Jenifer Hefner and husband Ryan; grandchildren, Devin Riley, Kelsey Riley, Isaiah Riley, Triston Riley, Zoe Granderson and husband Marcion Gallant; great-grandchildren, Emily Charlie Jenkins, Lucy Tarifa, and Karma, Marceline, and Kaizer Granderson; siblings, Rick Riley and wife Norma, and Diane Hall and husband Dean; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his son, John C. Riley, IV; parents, John and Wanda Riley; brother, Paul Dean Riley; and sister-in-law, Bernice Riley.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation rites for Mr. Riley will be accorded and a memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. (noon), Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Meadowbrook Christian Church in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, with Michael Sheets officiating.  Visitation will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service, at the church.  Memorial gifts may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital or Residential Hospice, and will be accepted at the service, or by mail to the Osborn Funeral Home, P.O. Box 130, Dix, Illinois 62830.  Online condolences may be made at www.osbornfuneral.com, or on the Osborn Funeral Home Facebook page.