B.J. (Bill) Wiley passed from this earth into eternal rest after a long illness on Thursday, July 26, 2012. He was a friend to many and loved by all. Bill never met a stranger and had a repertoire of jokes and funny stories that made him uniquely fun to be around.
He was born on January 12, 1931 in Blanket, Texas to Jessie Mae Hadden Wiley and F.C. Wiley. He began shining shoes at his father’s barber shop at the age of 10 years, sold papers at Camp Bowie during World War II, worked at Dublin’s, Dr. Pepper plant and the Lyric Theatre. His strong work ethic was recognized early in his life and he was well respected throughout the community for his dependability and his willingness to help anyone who needed his assistance.
Bill attended elementary school at several schools in the surrounding area and graduated from Brownwood High School. He also attended Howard Payne University. He was a member of the Dairy Queen Coffee bunch and never forgot any person that had come through his life. He was fiercely loyal as a friend, always ready to lend a helping hand; and, loved his lodge brothers throughout his final days.
Bill served in the National Guard, the U.S. Army and the Texas National Guard. He entered service to his country as a Private and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, with a brevet promotion to the rank of full Colonel.
He retired from the Santa Fe Railway, as Operations Supervisor after 35 ½ years of service, and continued to work part time after his retirement. He volunteered at many civic events around Brownwood and was a van driver for the Veteran’s Clinic in Brownwood, driving patients to the VA Hospital in Temple, Texas.
Bill was a Life Member of the American Legion. He was an endowed member of Brownwood Masonic Lodge #279, Scottish Rite of Waco and Suez Shrine Temple of San Angelo. Bill received the Golden Trowel, the highest honor that can be bestowed by the Masonic Lodge, and holds a Lifetime Proficiency Certificate. He served two terms on the Board of Directors of Crime Stoppers and was a ham operator.
He and his wife, Esther spent many summers, first in Cloudcroft, New Mexico and then Ruidoso, New Mexico where they enjoyed so many friendships and the beauty of the mountains. Even when in New Mexico, Bill always attended his lodge meetings faithfully.
Bill married Esther Mae Waters in 1967 and was preceded in death by his wife in February of 2009. He was also preceded in death by his parents Jessie Mae and F.C. Wiley. He is survived by his daughter Judy Mae Waters Kilgore and husband, Bill; three grandchildren, Michael Myers, Adam Kilgore, Catherine Kilgore Zercher and husband, Rusty; and, great-grandson, Jack Zercher. Also surviving are his sisters, Shirley Melane and Maxine Plumber, many nieces, nephews and countless friends.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Bill’s lodge brothers, who visited him throughout his long illness, and who always provided him with assistance and friendship; which he cherished so dearly.
Funeral services for Mr. Wiley will be held at 1 PM on Monday, July 30, 2012, in the Netherton Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Jim Looby officiating. Interment will follow in Greenleaf Cemetery under the direction of Netherton Funeral Home & Cremations.
Visitation will be held from 11 AM to 1 PM preceding the service.
Friends and family members are invited and encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.nethertonfuneralhome.com.
