Billy Frank Wiley

Bill was born in Marlin, Texas to Robert Hamilton and Mary Ann Copus Wiley on June 22, 1930. He was the youngest of 8 siblings. He worked many a long, hot day on the family farm and always had a story to share about his time there.

At the age of 18, Bill left home to attend college at Abilene Christian College (now Abilene Christian University) to pursue his desire to preach the word of God. After graduating from ACC with a Bachelor of Science Degree, Bill began his preaching career. He returned to ACC in 1966 to earn his Masters of Divinity degree. Bill often mentioned that, in addition to hitchhiking to get to ACC, he also hitchhiked in order to get to the churches where he was to preach. Bill preached for over 50 years until his retirement in 2006.

On February 3, 1962, Bill married Marjorie “Margie” Nell McGinnis and thus began a mutual journey of servitude and ministry throughout Texas. Margie was the perfect preacher’s wife, serving selflessly alongside Bill for almost 60 years, until her passing on October 11, 2021.

Bill and Margie served in ministry at churches of Christ throughout Texas – Vickery Church of Christ, Dallas, TX; Crestview Church of Christ, Waco, TX; Coleman Church of Christ, Coleman, TX; Wood St. Church of Christ, Sherman, TX; New Braunfels Church of Christ, New Braunfels, TX; San Pedro Church of Christ, San Antonio, TX; and Patrick St. Church of Christ, in Dublin, TX. They retired in 2006 and enjoyed their retirement years living at Saint Francis Village, Crowley, TX and attending Western Hills Church of Christ in Fort Worth, TX. They moved to Denton, TX in January 2021 to live closer to family.

In addition to preaching, Bill served as a long-time member and president of the Lion’s Club in Sherman, TX. His involvement with the Lion’s Club included volunteering at the Texas Lion’s Camp in Kerrville, TX. He also loved hunting and spending time outdoors with his hunting buddies. He loved listening to music and collecting albums (lots of albums!), and spending time with family and friends. Above all else, he loved to preach the word of God and considered his most important work to be bringing people to Christ. His deep knowledge and love of the Word were a blessing to many.

Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife, Margie, his parents and, 6 of his siblings. He is survived by his two daughters; Mary Perry, husband Martin Perry, and granddaughter Ella, of Denton, TX, and Julie Wiley Slate of Memphis, TN. He is also survived by his sister Bernelle Baxley, and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as cherished extended family, friends, church members, co-workers, and caregivers.

A graveside service will be held at Laurel Land Memorial Park, 7100 Crowley Rd., Fort Worth, TX on Saturday, November 5 at 1 p.m.

Flowers are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Bill Wiley to Abilene Christian University at acu.edu/give, or the Texas Lion’s Camp at https://www.lionscamp.com/

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” (Matthew 25:21)