Frances Clement Riley McCaskill

Frances “Fran” Clement Riley McCaskill arrived at her heavenly home on April 16, 2022.

She was born in Pottsboro, Texas on May 30, 1944 to Col. James A. Riley and Frances J. Clement Riley.  She is predeceased by her parents and her siblings, Len S. Allen Jr. and Hyun Sook Riley.

Fran moved frequently as the daughter of a career officer living in many locations, but she considered Pottsboro home.  She graduated from Dentsville High School in Columbia, SC and then graduated from West Liberty University in Wheeling, WV with a tri major: education, history and political Science.  She moved to Atlanta where she taught school in Clayton County. She married her husband, Jack, at Fort McPherson in Atlanta, GA on July 19, 1969.  

Fran and Jack moved several times with Jack’s engineering work. They returned to metro Atlanta in 1979. Fran went to work with Harry Norman Realtors as an agent and later became an assistant broker earning many awards and accolades. She was also very involved in her church, Westminster Presbyterian. She helped renew and lead the women’s ministry--earning an “honorary life membership” from the Presbyterian Women of the church in gratitude for her dedication and service.

Fran was a true Christian, warm, loving, and compassionate, full of faith, and quick to pray. She was a successful real estate agent, first in Atlanta and later in Asheville after relocating to Montreat. She served as President and on the Board of the Black Mountain and Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce. She was an excellent bridge player and an active member of the Montreat Scottish Society.

Fran loved all kinds of music.  She was in charge of organizing and housing Music Mission Kiev Orchestra when they toured the area.  She was active with the Bach Festival and with the Friends of Music at Montreat College. She was also a member of the choir at Christ Community Church and sang to the glory of God with her sweet soprano voice.

One of Fran’s favorite activities was shopping with her friends.  She was very generous and was skilled in finding the perfect gift for her loved ones and friends. She loved shopping for antiques and collected them. She was also an excellent cook and famous for her cakes and her chicken pot pie--but especially known for her pralines, which were Billy Graham approved. 

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, John “Jack” Calvin McCaskill, and two sons: Andrew Lewis McCaskill of Aiken, SC, and James Calvin McCaskill (Lisa) of San Jose, CA. Fran loved and adored her grandchildren: Kate Elizabeth Rose, John Calvin IV, Thomas Jonathan Jackson and Warren James McCaskill. She is also survived by her brother, Lt. Col Jack Riley and her nephews and niece, Taylor, Kaytie and Aryne, many cousins and a host of wonderful friends.

A graveside service will be held Thursday afternoon, May 5^th at 1 o’clock in Fort Jackson National Cemetery, Columbia, SC with The Rev. Grayson “Butch” Blackwell officiating.

A memorial service will be Saturday afternoon, May 7^th  at 1 o’clock in the Graham Chapel at Montreat College, 310 Gaither Circle, Montreat, NC 28757 Rev. Richard White will be officiating. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Christ Community Church (www.cccmontreat.org).

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC