August 1,1947 - January 26, 2024
Wiley made the move from his earthly home in Kingwood, Texas (30 years) to his heavenly home for all eternity. His love for God was truly evident in his life and no doubt the Lord Jesus is welcoming him with arms opened wide. He began his time here on earth in Chicago where his spent the days of his youth, graduating from Otis in 1963.
On August 4,1965, a few days after his 18th birthday, Wiley enlisted and served in the United States Marine Corp. That greater love shown by being willing to lay down his life for another was demonstrated by him while he spent 1year, 1 month, and 1 day in Vietnam. While there he was even able to meet John Wayne, when he came to visit the troops. He then returned to America and finished out his time in the Marine Corp as an MP at Camp Pendleton near Wayside California. Truly a proud Marine whose life was shaped by this season in his life.
His love for cars in his youth turned into a career later in life. He retired from Metro Bus Company 2001 as one of the supervisors for their maintenance department. Once retired he was able to do what he truly loved in life. For many years he maintained a wonderful garden where his sweat and tears resulted in a harvest for the many friends in his life. One of his favorite pastimes was fishing and going up to his friend Geary's lake house. Getting out on the water was always good, waiting maybe not so good, but he shined that signature Wiley smile when finally caught that keeper. He loved to fellowship with friends, whether at church functions or at his home. He was very comfortable working the barbeque pits while others enjoyed the fruits of his labor. (and garden). Yahtzee was his game, and he enjoyed shooting a game of pool. He was first to share his gift for hospitality at several church functions and various outreaches and quick to volunteer his wife Tracy to clean dishes after a good pot luck dinner at their home church Embrace in New Caney. Many friends for life came from his years at The Ark Fellowship in Cypress, where they served and grew in the Lord. Tracy and Wiley helped Lighthouse throughout the years with numerous outreaches, BBQ's; frying turkeys and helping host Donna Douglas (Ellie Mae Clampett) when she came to town. Wiley and Tracy, along with friends from numerous ministries have served the families at Ronald McDonald House for 15 years. His heart for children also led him to support St Jude's over the years. Truly he was blessed and he was a blessing! When he saw a need, he was quick to jump in and see what he could do.
Wiley is proceeded in death by his parents Albert and Christine Stephens, Sisters Sandra Dotson and Linda Inwie, Brother Billy Stephens and his daughter Twila Best.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 20 years Tracy Stephens, his Son David Stephens and wife Angela. Daughter Stacy Grudzinski and husband Steve. Daughters, Dawn Griggs, Trena Wacker and Carrie Davis.Sisters, Mary Rowe and Pat Kmieciak and Brother, Tommy Stephens. As well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Memorial services and Military Honors will be held at 10:15 AM at Houston National Cemetery on 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive on Monday February 26, 2024, Immediately following services there will be a Homegoing Service and Celebration at Embrace Church, 22825 Antique Ln ,New Caney.Texas 77357. Services there will begin at 11:30 am. (Food following service)
In lieu of flowers, donations towards funeral expenses would appreciated.
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