I was so sorry to hear of Doug's tragic accident. It's still hard for me to believe that I'll never see him with Gold City again. He was an awesome drummer and all around great guy! He will sure be missed. My prayers go out to the entire Gold City family!!!

Vickie

It was not that long ago that Doug called me on my cell talking about songs for Gold City's new recording. It's hard to believe he's gone. My prayers are with his wife and family and all of Gold City. I know I will miss Doug very much, although I know where he is. All I can say is Doug, I'll see at The Midnight Cry.

Greg

We are saddened by the loss but remember....To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

A child has gone home.

Our prayers and thoughts are with Amy and the entire Gold City family.

When I heard the tragic news yesterday morning of my friend Doug Riley's untimely death, of course I was utterly shocked, heartbroken and dismayed. My thoughts immediately drifted back in time to 1981 when I first came to know him. That was when his dad and I began traveling together in a young new group called Gold City. He was then an 11 year old boy who more than anything had huge dreams of becoming a drummer for a Southern gospel group. At that time little did I realize that sometime later in this young man's life I would get the opportunity to help fulfill that dream. Moving ahead in time. It was the summer and Doug was about 17 years old and finishing high school. We didn't have a drummer then so I invited him to go on the road with us until the fall when he was planning to start college. Of course, he jumped at the opportunity. The summer ended and I must say Doug had excelled in those three months as a musician as quickly as anyone I had ever seen. He was now faced with the difficult decision to go back to school. I 'll never forget the conversation I had with his dad, Tim Riley. He said to me, " Garry I believe Doug's heart is in this music because this is what he loves the most. Would you consider bringing him on board as Gold City's permanent drummer "? Well as they say, "The rest is history". I spent six wonderful years touring with Doug as our drummer and watching him grow musically to a level many can only aspire to achieve. I am extremely saddened by the loss of such a wonderful Christian young man and a friend who had so much talent and ability. At the same time, my heart is warmed by the memories I have of him and the privilege to have been instrumental in the fullfillment of his dream. A dream that I saw many years ago in the sparkle of the eyes of an 11 year old boy.

Garry Jones

Mercy's Mark

Garry,
Thanks for your post.
You know how I feel about those times in Georgia and when we first met the Rileys. You did an incredible thing when you let God use you to help Doug cultivate his talent. I know how you feel in your heart and I stand with you and honor Doug Riley.