- Date Of Birth: April 15, 1952
- Date Of Death: July 22, 2021
- State: Florida
Wiley Edwin Jones, Jr. was born on April 15, 1952 to Wiley “Dutch” Edwin Jones and Nettie Lee Bamburg Jones in West Monroe, Louisiana. His parents taught him to work hard, honor God, and treat people with respect and generosity. The oldest of four children, Wiley is survived by his brother, Wendell Jay Jones, and sisters, Cynthia Dianna Jones Osborne and Allison “Casey” Lee Jones Coleman; as well as sister-in-law Peggy Diane Jones and brothers-in-law Gary Glen Osborne, Michael Jeffrey Coleman, Charles Kevin McBryde, and John Michael McBryde.
Wiley had the good sense to marry Karen Elizabeth McBryde Jones when he was 22 and always kept a photo of her in his glovebox. They met on vacation at a hotel in Galveston, Texas, and honeymooned there after their wedding. Wiley and Karen shared a fun-filled life for 47 years of marriage. Together they wrangled six wild children: Chelsea Leigh Jones Cantilli, Jennifer Beth Jones, Jean Louise Jones Van Smith, Mary Frances Jones, John Wiley Jones, and Kevin Michael Jones.
Wiley treasured his eight grandchildren. He loved sharing his appreciation of nature and building fires with them. He encouraged them to learn, try new things, and not to be afraid. He knew they could find their path and achieve great things, and they made him very proud.
Wiley always loved the outdoors, and although he could spend hours in the solitude of the woods, he loved people even more. He was friendly and open with everyone and always interested in their stories. He was incredibly generous with the people around him. Wiley was a happy person who forged his own path and encouraged those around him to do the same.
Wiley is predeceased by his daughter, Mary, and his parents, Dutch and Nettie.
