Deacon Elmore Wiley, Jr.

“For they that have used the office of a deacon well, purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

I Timothy 3:13 (KJV)

Deacon Elmore Wiley, Junior, age 80, of Dalark, Arkansas, departed from this life on April 16, 2019, at CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas at 9:45 P.M. He was born on October 30, 1938, to the late Elmore and Pernella Leon Weaver Wiley in Okolona, Arkansas. 

He was a graduate of Sparkman Training School and later attended Vocational School in Los Angeles, California, where he specialized in Auto Mechanics.  Following his schooling, he was drafted into the United States Army in 1960.  He was honorably discharged on October 31, 1963, with the rank of Private (E3).

On December 30, 1961, he married the love of his life, Clevia Mae Craig.  This union has a span of 58 years.

Elmore accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and began his Christian walk at Saint John’s Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis, Missouri, under the leadership of Pastor John Mitchell.

He was employed by General Motors, Corvette Division, in St. Louis, Missouri for many years.  In 1972, he returned home to Arkansas.  Upon his return to Arkansas, he and Clevia became members of First Baptist Church in Sparkman, Arkansas.  He has served First Baptist faithfully as Chairman of the Deacon Ministry, Sunday School Superintendent, and choir member.

Deacon Wiley was a very successful entrepreneur!  He owned and operated Wiley Logging Incorporation for over 40 years.  Having unique interpersonal skills and a relentless work ethic, his business flourished.

He was a fierce provider and protector for those that he loved.  Those who were close to him and loved him referred to him as “June Wiley.”  He was loved by his children, siblings, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and god-children.

His favorite phrases were: “Hard fight with a short stick,” “Like a tappin, in the summertime” and “Don’t take any wooden nickels”. 

Preceding Elmore in death were his loving parents, and son in law, Kenyatta D. Counter. He leaves to cherish his dear memory a devoted and loving wife of 58 years, Clevia Craig Wiley, of Arkadelphia, AR; three sisters, Sherrel Jean  (Rosboro) Hendrix, and Eula Evonne Wiley (Herman) Thomas, both of Arkadelphia, AR, and Vivian Marie Wiley of Henderson, NV; one brother, Larry James (Mollie) Wiley, of Arkadelphia, AR; four daughters, Java L. Wiley Collins, of Tulsa, OK,  Sandra D. (Willie) Randle, of Stafford, VA, Sonja D. Wiley, (A.K.A. Shawn Wiley), of Baton Rouge, LA, and Sibyl D. (Samuel) Davis, of Madison, AL; one son, Stanton D. Wiley, of Fayetteville, AR. Elmore was blessed with 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; one loving aunt, Ora Bell Hale Wiley, of Prescott, AR; helpful sister-in-laws, Leola McClenahan, Angie Craig (Harold) Harris, Phyllis Craig (Jeffery) Whitaker; brother-in-laws, Rev. Louis (Jacqueline) Craig, Ricky (Betty) Craig, Samuel (Deborah) Craig, and a host of sweet nieces,  and very kind nephews, cousins and many friends.

Visitation will be on Monday, April 22, 2019, at Mitchell Funeral Home in Arkadelphia, AR from 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. with family and friends hour from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church in Sparkman, AR. The funeral service will be held at Greater Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Arkadelphia, AR on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. Burial and final resting place will be at Piney Grove Cemetery in Arkadelphia, AR.

 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.   II Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV)

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