Connie Mack Riley

Obituary Connie Mack Riley, 73, of Carlsbad, New Mexico, stepped over into glory at University of New Mexico Hospital, Monday, July 27, 2020 in Albuquerque, NM with his wife by his side when his spirit touched heaven. His last breath was breathed with the comfort of their touch. Graveside services are scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, 2020, 10:00 AM, at the Gazebo, Carlsbad Cemetery with Pastor Phillip Price officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, August 4, 2020, 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangement. This is a time to celebrate the life of one who believed that the fear of God was the beginning of wisdom.You might think someone who was named after a famous baseball player might enjoy watching baseball, but football was his sport. Connie Mack cheered for Gods Team: The Dallas Cowboys. Born and raised in Carlsbad, NM, Connie graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1965. Those who were close to Connie Mack knew that although he loved his family, work and football team, God was always first in his life. That might surprise many because although he was a long-standing member of church, he seldom attended. Being born again at a young age, instilled in him a love for God that broughthim a silent strength that steadied his life. He never shared about Jesus because he felt like he was not worthy enough to do that. He only talked to close friends and family about God, and kept his relationship close to his heart. Connie Mack held many different roles throughout his life. At the beginning of his life he was called Son by his parents, and Friend by his classmates. At a very young age, he was called Uncle when his mother and eldest sister were with child at the same time. Many called him Cousin. After graduation, he was called Soldier, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was called Enemy when the Vietcong attacked Saigon during the Tet Offensive and he was called Survivorafter the war was over. In 1973, people called him Officer Riley, as a member of the Carlsbad Police Force and one called him Husband that same year. In 1974 and again in 1980, two called him Daddy. Years later, he was called Chief of Police, and while that was his work title, to a special few, he was called Papa Mack. We love you, Connie Mack, dad, Papa Mack, uncle, cousin and friend. We look forward to seeing you again. He was preceding in death by his parents, John Collins and Opal (Truitt) Riley, sisters, Darlyne Abott, Audrey Linder, brothers: Maubrey Riley and Pat C. Riley. Survivors are wife: Brenda Riley; daughter Christy Riley Bradfute and husband Richard; son: Brandon Riley and wife Erika; grandchildren: Taylor Bradfute, Tate Bradfute, Alexys and Jayce, and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Travis Collins, Tate Bradfute, Ryan Collins, Richard Bradfute, Brant Jones and Cason Jones. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Connie Mack Riley, please visit our floral store.