George Camden Riley

…in this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. – John 16:33

George Camden Riley (known as Camden his whole life) was born on November 19, 1991 in Little Rock, Arkansas, to John and Marilyn Riley. He was the youngest of the Riley children, yet he led his family in faith. And in that same sentiment has led as the first to walk the path into Heaven. On January 28, 2025 he won his hard fought, three and a half year battle against synovial sarcoma at the age of 33.

To know Camden was to know kindness, generosity, love, and passion. Camden is not someone who saw the arc of life and accepted that he may be on the downward slope. Instead he realized he had reached the mountain peak (specifically the top of Mary Jane mountain) and would soon have the opportunity to snowboard down––all heart, no fear. And that at the bottom, he’d meet his best friend Jesus. Camden was never dying. He was living this life with his eyes and arms wide open.

Camden rejoiced in every aspect of his life. Whether he was “shredding the pow,” working as a certified tennis professional, cooking, stringing a tennis racquet, bargain shopping, crafting, hiking, fishing, planning his Halloween costume and working on the haunted house, playing bingo, or cheering on the Razorbacks, he was filled with joy and passion. He loved worship music and the weekly tunes he shared via text messages carried us through the past three and a half years.

A few Camden-statements that we will all remember him by are: “Thank you,” “Stay active and live adventurously,” “We’ll catch up later,” “Cancer sucks. Hog’s don’t.,” and “I love you.”

Camden is survived by his parents, John and Marilyn, siblings Zachary (Taylor) Riley, Hunter Riley, Haynes Riley, Erin Riley, and Kelsey Riley, and nieces, Zoe and Rachel Riley. He is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and close family friends.

Camden’s memorial will be February 8, 2025 at Second Baptist Church in Downtown Little Rock. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. followed by an 11 a.m. service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Hope Cancer Resources (https://hopecancerresources.org) or North Little Rock Public Education Foundation (https://www.nlrpef.org).