MADISON COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18)– The funeral for a soldier who died while serving in Iraq will be held Monday in Madison County.
It follows a day of mourning, as family and friends gathered for the visitation for Specialist Ryan Dennis Orin Riley at the Richmond Church of Christ on Sunday.
According to the Department of Defense, the 22-year-old died while serving in Iraq in a non-combat related incident.
Family and friends say they’re devastated, but they’re holding on tight to their memories of Riley.
Loved ones tell LEX 18 they knew he would do something great, and in serving his country, he did.
“I was very proud of him,” said Brittany Stevens, a friend of Riley. “Very proud. We always knew that he was going to do something great in life, there was never a doubt.”
The funeral is expected to begin at 1 p.m. at the Richmond Church of Christ.
A burial with full military honors will follow.
Governor Matt Bevin has ordered flags fly at half-staff in Riley’s honor on Monday.
