Vanness Allen Risley, Jr.

While coming into this world in Soap Lake, WA on May 4, 1957, and living in various states over the years, Allen always considered Georgia to be his home. Born with a strong independent spirit, and matching streaks of stubbornness and determination, he set out on his adult journey at a young age, joining the army at seventeen. Always striving to better himself and not afraid of any challenge he caught the attention of the Army Ranger recruiters who suggested he apply to join their elite group. He did and no one was surprised when he was accepted.

After leaving the military Allen tried his hand at various professions eventually settling into construction which required just the right mixture of mental and physical exertion to keep both his mind and body engaged. With Allen’s unique ability to motivate people and his attention to detail, he quickly climbed the ranks to superintendent, retiring as a general contractor superintendent responsible for entire projects. Some of those projects required travel for months at a time, which Allen hated as he wanted to be home with his family and his dogs.

Those who knew Allen knew that in his down time he could be found saltwater fishing, watching a NASCAR race, playing with his dogs or turning a bowl, which was a hobby he took on later in life and became quite proficient at.

Those who knew Allen also knew that he lived his life on his own terms and never really gave much consideration to how others viewed him.

He was a man who drank and smoked and laughed and cried. He was the man who would literally give someone the shirt off his back, which he did many times over the years.

After several years of declining health, Allen left this world very peacefully on July 30, 2024, surrounded by those who loved him.

He is survived by his life partner, Jackie, as well as his son, Vanness Allen Risley, III(Melanie) and his daughter, Brandy Risley Felkhake (Jen) both of whom he was very proud. Also surviving Allen are one bonus son, three grandsons, six bonus grandchildren and a bonus great grandson that he never had the opportunity to meet in person.

Being an animal lover, and having taken in more than a few stray or neglected dogs over the years, was a very strong character trait of Allen’s. For this reason, and to honor Allen in a way that would be very meaningful and important to him, the family asks that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the ASPCA. Below is a link to their donation website.

Donate to the ASPCA and Help Animals | ASPCA https://secure.aspca.org/donate/ps-gn-p1?linked=1

The family will be having a celebration of life Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 3 pm at the home of Van Risley. Please call or text Jackie, Van or Brandy for the address. We would appreciate any pictures you may have to share. Please upload directly to the memorial page.