Carl S. Risley

29 December 1870 - 5 May 1953
Conference Cane: 1951
Age at death: 82 years, 4 months


Carl S. Risley

Rev. Carl S. Risley died May 5, a Waterville, Ohio. He was born December 29, 1870, on a farm in Knox County, Indiana. His father was a farmer, a local preacher, and a veteran of the Civil War.

Carl S. Risley received a splendid education, being graduated from high school and from Vincennes University in 1892. He later spent two years at Depauw University, Indiana.

On March 16, 1904, he was united in marriage to Laura M. Gray. Two sons were born to the Risleys, Paul L. and Carl M.

Youth gave promise of the man to be. Carl S. Risley was converted in early boyhood at a revival service. Immediately he became active in the local church, held various offices in the following years and proved himself a capable leader of youth.

His outstanding leadership ability prompted his church to grant him a Local Preacher's License and recommended him for Admission on Trial in the Indiana Annual Conference in September of 1894. He served several appointments in Indiana, coming into the Michigan Conference in 1904, and into the Detroit Conference in 1921. Newport-Ironwood, Chelsea, Manistique, Ridgeway, Deerfield-Petersburg, Dundee, Lennon and Webberville were enriched by his ministry. In 1943, he joined the noble ranks of the Retired Ministers. He made his home in Petersburg until 1950, where his influence for Christ was great - for testimony was volunteered by residents of the community that "none better ever lived there." In 1950, he moved to Jackson, Michigan.

As a good minister of Jesus Christ, Mr. Risley loved folks. He never lost sight of the individual in the crowd. He preached for a verdict. He sympathetically understood the needs and aspirations of those whom he served. He gave himself sacrificially to all, in the Name of Jesus. Goodness within was apparent on his face, which beamed with a holy joy. By life and in sermon, he "always spoke a good word for Jesus Christ."

Mr. Risley is survived by his widow; two sons, Dr. Paul L. Risley, Professor of Biology at the University of Oregon, and Carl M. Risley, Toledo, Ohio; three grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on May 7, in the Petersburg Church. Rev. Robert Bryce, pastor, was assisted by Rev. J. Marion DeVinney of First Church, Jackson, and Dr. Clyde Donald of Ypsilanti. Burial was in God's Acre at Leslie.

- Detroit Annual Conference minutes of 1953, pp. 463-464

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