Obituary for Gregory Byron "Greg" Risley
Gregory Byron “Greg” Risley, 76, a lifelong resident of Bicknell, IN, passed away Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 6:33 pm at his residence with his family at his bedside. Greg was born February 2, 1949, in Vincennes, IN, the son of Jack Byron and Elizabeth “Betty” Rockwell Risley. He was a graduate of North Knox High School and continued his education, having received a Master's Degree in Interior Design from Oxford University in England. He joined his father in 1974 at Risley Furniture in Bicknell and transformed a local furniture store into a national interior design enterprise--Risley’s Furniture & Design and Risley Enterprises, Inc. Greg was named in the 1999 edition of Who’s Who in the World and the Millennium Edition in 2000. He was awarded the Outstanding Room Design by The Interior Design Society in 1980. Innovation was a key to his success--he was among the first to create full-room-design displays in his business. Greg’s love for his hometown was evident in everything he was active in--Bicknell Merchants Association, The French Club, KCARC, 32nd Degree Mason, Scottish Rite, Old Town Players (charter member), Elks (where he served as past exalted ruler), and the American Contract Bridge League (where he served in various offices of the organization). He enjoyed coaching Pee Wee League baseball, was a cub pack Boy Scout Leader, and was instrumental in keeping the Labor Day activities in Bicknell going. Greg's steadfast dedication to both his craft and his community truly embodied the spirit and heart of Bicknell, earning him the Bicknell Man of the Year award this August 2025.
Greg is survived by his son, Christopher Byron “Chris” (Kristen) Risley of Clarkesville, GA, his partner, Herb Nomura of Bicknell, IN, and his grandchildren, Meg Risley, Abby Risley (fiancé Brian Francke), Madison Risley, Cecilia Risley, and Miranda Risley.
He was preceded in death by a son, Timothy “Tim” Risley and his parents, Jack and Betty Risley.
A celebration of Greg’s life will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at Duesterberg-Fredrick Wampler Shaw Chapel in Bicknell, IN, where services will be held at 6:00 PM, with Pastor George Ford officiating. Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the Bicknell-Vigo Township Public Library or Bicknell Manor. Duesterberg-Fredrick Wampler Shaw is honored to assist the Risley family during their time of loss.
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Previous Events
Visitation
Friday
12
Dec
3:00 PM
- 6:00 PM
Duesterberg-Fredrick Wampler Shaw Chapel
118 N Washington St
Bicknell, IN 47512
Service
Friday
12
Dec
6:00 PM
Duesterberg-Fredrick Wampler Shaw Chapel
118 N Washington St
Bicknell, IN 47512
Memorial Contribution
Bicknell-Vigo Township Public Library
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