PARSONSBURG, MD — Lewis R. Riley, a longtime figure in Maryland agriculture and politics and a former Secretary of Agriculture, died Sunday, November 5, 2023, at the age of 88.
According to Riley's obituary, he was born into a farming family in Parsonsburg and the youngest of nine children. Riley spent his life dedicated to the land and public service, contributing significantly to his community as a member of the Parsonsburg Volunteer Fire Department and the Jerusalem United Methodist Church, among other organizations.
His extensive political career included roles on the Wicomico County Council from 1966 to 1978, the Maryland House of Delegates from 1979 to 1987, and the Maryland Senate from 1987 to 1992.
Riley was appointed Deputy Secretary of Agriculture in 1992 by then-Governor William Donald Schaefer.
After his initial retirement in 1998 to care for his wife, Ginny, Riley returned to the office in 2003 under Governor Robert Ehrlich, serving until his final retirement in 2007.
Visitation for Lewis R. Riley will be held on Friday, November 10, from 8:30 am to 10:30 am at Holloway Funeral Home in Salisbury, with a funeral service to follow immediately.