James Gary "Bubba" Riley, 83, of Gowen, passed away Saturday, December 30, 2023 at McAlester Regional Health Center.  The family will welcome friends for visitation on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home in Hartshorne.  Funeral services will be Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home Chapel in Hartshorne, with Pastor Rob Lungstrum officiating.  Burial will follow at Gowen-Cambria Cemetery.  Pallbearers are Deno Tomaselli, Ted Evicks, Michael Riley, Keith Ranallo, Alan Ray, and Curtis Ray.  Honorary pallbearers are Jerry Matthews, Phil Lay, Ed Sensibaugh, Jerry Vaughn, and Jim Barnes.

James Gary Riley was born under the stars on October 16, 1940 in Gowen to Vea J. Riley and Lorene (Wilson) Riley.  He grew up in Gowen and graduated from Hartshorne High School.  When his dad became incapacitated by a stroke, Gary stepped up and helped raise his siblings.  Growing up, Gary loved to raise, hunt, and run the dogs with his dad and close friends. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and all things outdoors.  He was also involved in showing animals at stock shows.  He was very active in his community and was a proud supporter of Hartshorne and Haileyville 4-H and FFA.  He was awarded an Honorary State Farmer Degree at the state FFA convention for his hard work and support.  He was a lifetime member of the Hartshorne Round-Up Club, and spent countless hours doing every job, no matter the size, to ensure that the 4th of July Rodeo was successful.  He was also the ambulance driver at the rodeo for many years. He served on the Board of Directors of the West End Fire Department for many years.  Gary liked to play dominoes at the Community Center and helped at every chili supper, pie supper, or fish fry at the center.  Gary also took care of the Gowen-Cambria Cemetery for many years and helped raise money for the cemetery fund.  And, as a proud veteran himself after serving in the Army National Guard, he put out flags at veterans graves every year.  Gary was a devoted, life-time member of the Haileyville Church of Christ.

Gary is survived by his siblings, Don Riley and wife Selina, Kaye Smith and husband Alfred, and Jana Riley and husband James; a sister-in-law, June Riley; nieces and nephews, Michael Riley and wife Ashley, Lindy Ranallo and husband Keith, Sharon Smith, Marcy Miller and husband Aaron, Randi Riley, and Sherrie Buenrostro and husband Ezekiel; great nieces and nephews, Noah Ranallo, Mia Ranallo, Tristin Riley, Ari Riley, Colton Moseley, Shelby Moseley, Lilli Miller, Kathy Miller, Ellie Miller, Stephen Rowell, Dylan Buenrostro, Tyler Buenrostro, Acetin Rowell, Maylee Rowell, Melissa Riley, Stephanie Stear and husband Adam, Conner, Skye, and Melanie Stear. Gary was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Linda Riley; 2 brothers, Ronnie Riley and Bob Riley; and 2 nephews, James Smith and Ronnie Riley.