Wiley James Horton

Wiley James Horton, Sr., 86, passed away on Monday, March 3, 2014 after a lengthy illness in Luling, Texas. He was born on August 16, 1927 to John Emelt and Adrienne Irene (Wiley) Horton in Houston, Texas. He married Gloria June Guernsey on April 28, 1945 in Richmond, TX. Wiley was a graduate of Reagan High School in Houston,TX. Upon graduation he had the desire to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Navy.

He was employed at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for 39 years before retiring in January 1984. Upon his retirement he constructed their home and moved to Wimberley, TX. He owned and operated His Billboard silk screening company. His passion was serving his Lord and Savior by teaching adult Sunday School classes for many years. He was also an ordained Deacon at First Baptist Church in Wimberley, Texas. Wiley was a Lay Renewal Coordinator through the Baptist Association from 1993- 2003. He had the desire to help others by teaching GED classes at the Hayes County Jail.

Wiley’s greatest joy was listening to Southern Gospel Music. He spent many hours enjoying his many gospel recordings and always encouraged others to join along with him.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria, of Lockhart, TX; three daughters, Phyllis Stout of Denton, TX; Susan Blackwelder and husband, Tim, of Semi Valley, CA; Gayla Brignon, and husband, Tim, of Vernon Hills, IL; and four sons, Wiley Horton, Jr. and wife Sue, of Sadler, TX; Walter Horton and wife, Margaret, of Austin, TX; Bobby Horton and wife, Leslie, of Lake Geneva, WI; Kyle Horton and wife, Angela, of Lockhart, TX; twenty-two grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. His sister, Geneva Irene Bailey of Houston, TX, also survives him.

His parents, his eight brothers, Irvin, Ernest, Emmitt, Ralph, Jesse, Johnnie, Allen, and Melvin Horton preceded him in death. Also, preceding him in death are his sister, Mildred Krzienski, grandson, Courtney Shane Horton, and son-in-law, Doyce Stout.

The family wishes to express their deepest thanks to the administration and staff of Oakcreek Nursing and Rehabiliton for their gentle care and concern of our husband, father, and grandfather. Also, our sincere gratitude to Heart-to-Heart Hospice for their kindness and support during the home going of our loved one.

Family and friends gathed at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2014, in the chapel of Waltrip Funeral Directors, 1415 Campbell Road in Houston, where funeral services were held at 12:00 noon. Wiley's son, Reverend Kyle A. Horton, officiated the service and was assisted by Reverend Jesse Edwards. Special musical selections were led by Mr. Alton Saunders and Mr. Bobby Stout.

In lieu of flowers the family requested donations to Heart-to-Heart Hospice or the American Heart Foundation.