William M. Wiley's Obituary
William M. Wiley, Jr., 84, passed away on January 5, 2017 with his loving family by his side. Bill, as he was known to family and friends was born on July 4th , 1932 in Woodville, TN to William and Leoma Wiley. The youngest child and only son born to the William and Leoma, The family soon moved to Memphis in search of better work opportunities. William Sr (Pop) was a master carpenter, a skill that has been past down through the generations. Young Bill traveled around the country doing seasonal work during the summer months in high school before graduating from Memphis Tech High School in 1950.Bill married Peggy Robinson in 1951 and within a few years he began work as a machinist at Kimberly Clark and moved his family to Frayser, TN. While at Kimberly Clark, Bill became well respected among his fellow workers and was elected to represent them as President of their local union #704 (UPIU) for multiple terms. His genuine concern for fairness and equality was demonstrated throughout his personal and professional life, and is a characteristic he instilled in his children. He retired from Kimberly Clark in January of 1993 with 38 years of service.Bill married Debbie Lofton in 1981 and they recently celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary. Bill and Debbie’s house in Bartlett was always the gathering place for family and friends and Bill was like a surrogate dad to many of his children’s friends. He was always there to give advice and support and lend an ear. Bill looked for the humor in everyday life and had a quick wit, sometimes with a bit of sarcasm added it. The family always jokes that if Bill gave you a hard time, that meant he really liked you.Second to his family was his love for Notre Dame Football and Chicago Cubs Baseball. If either one of those teams were playing, you could find Bill watching and cheering them on. His family will forever cherish the memories from this past year, cheering on his beloved Chicago Cubs to their first Word Series victory since 1908. There was even a magic baseball that was rubbed for good luck before each game.Bill is survived by his wife Debbie, his children Marcia Casey (Stanley), Keith Wiley (Nancy), Christy Adams (Victor), Jamie Wiley (Delorean), and Tommy Wiley, as well as ten grandchildren; Jacob, Zachary, Samantha (Keith and Nancy), Lily and Ella (Christy and Vic), Owen and Julia (Tommy), Mclaren, Catalina, and Alicia (Jamie and Delorean). He is also survived by Peggy Wiley, former spouse and mother of Marcia, Keith, and Christy, Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his three sisters; Val, Lillian, and Janey, and his beloved dog, Candy.In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to: St Jude Children’s Hospital, Memphis TN Tribute Program St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital PO Box 1000, Dept. 142 Memphis, TN 38148-0142Include Bill’s name and the name and address of the family member whom you would like to receive the acknowledgement card.The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until the service to celebrate Bill’s life begins at 6 p.m., Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Please join us to share some memories.
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