James Edward Wiley

Home gong services for the late Reverend James Edward Wiley Jr. will be held on Saturday June 19, 2010 at 10:00 at the Bullock Temple C.M.E church, 1513 S. Chester Rock, Arkansas. Family hours are held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ruffin and Jarrett Funeral Services, 1200 S. Chester, Little Rock, Arkansas. Reverend James Edward Wiley Jr. went home to glory on Sunday, June 13, 2010. He was born to the union of the late James E. Wiley Sr. and the late Louise Hightower Snow on October 1, 1929 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was faithfully married to Ida Marie Rodgers for 55 loving years. Rev. Wiley started his college education at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas where he was a long distance track runner and then finishing at Philander Smith College in 1960. He taught physical education and coached the basketball team in Earle, Arkansas. He had a career at Wonder Bakery for 42 plus years. His first assignment was in the garage as a mechanic and then being promoted to the first African American salesman in the state of Arkansas. His life love was his ministry for Christ and his family. He also had a great love for the children in the community. He organized neighborhood football teams bringing the youth of the community closer together as well as a supporter of Christian Youth Fellowship for the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. He was an Affiliated Free and Accepted Manson. He pastured in the C.M.E. Church for 50 plus years. He was the conductor of construction of the new sanctuary at F.T. Jeans Memorial C.M.E Church in Tollotte, Arkansas. He will be missed by friends and family alike for his shining smile and enduring patience. Reverend James Wiley also attended and graduated from Dunbar High School. He leaves to cherish his memory, three children Rev. James E. Wiley III (Patricia), Jean W. James (Willie), and John E Wiley, three brothers, Robert L. Wiley, Savory E. Wiley, and Harvey P. Wiley Sr. (Ruby), two sisters, Lee Etta Hoskins (Teddy), and Thelma L. Wiley; two sisters-in-law, Thelma L Black (Willie) and Velma Jennings (Eddie) along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. The Family may be reached at 22 Cherry Laurel Ct., Little Rock, Arkansas 72211. Interment will be held at the Fraternity Cemetery in Little Rock, Arkansas. Services are Entrusted to Stephens Funeral Home in West Helena, Arkansas.