William Dale Wiley, of Zanesfield Ohio, went to his eternal home with Jesus on the morning of Dec. 29. He was born on Sept. 18, 1931, to Dale & Janette Wiley of Middletown, Ohio. As a teen, Bill was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and also did mission work in Arizona and Alaska.
Bill married his college sweetheart, Phyllis Thompson, (of Jewett, Ohio) on Aug. 25, 1956. In 1964, Bill and Phyllis founded Marmon Valley Farm in Zanesfield, Ohio. Together with the Lord’s help, their three children (Winston, Jane & Matthew) and many friends they developed what now exists as Marmon Valley Farm and Marmon Valley Ministries. Ten years after founding Marmon Valley Farm, he again felt led to start another camp and together they founded Faith Ranch in Jewett, Ohio. During the remaining course of his life, “Uncle Bill” (as staff and campers knew him) combined his deep devotion to Christ, his heart for people and his love for horses and farm life into a powerful ministry that impacted the lives of hundreds of people. Throughout his adult life, Bill remained an active member in B.S.A. and was also involved in Certified Horsemanship Association, Christian Camp and Conference Assoc., American Camping Assoc. and numerous local clubs.
Bill is survived by his wife, Phyllis Thompson Wiley; sister, Jane Kuckuk; brother, Tom Wiley; three children — Winston Wiley, Jane (Wiley) Olsen & husband Steve, Matthew Wiley & wife Kathy; 7 grandchildren – Rebecca (Wiley) Adelsberger & husband Ben, Daniel Wiley, Elizabeth Wiley, Joel Wiley & wife Elise, Josh Wiley, Luke & Tim Olsen; and 2 great grandchildren Adam & Eden Adelsberger.
A celebration of life and visitation will be held Sat. Jan. 2, at Marmon Valley Farm between 2-6 p.m. and a memorial service will be held at Goshen Friends Church on Sun. Jan. 3 at 2 p.m. in Zanesfield, Ohio.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in New Rumley.
In lieu of flowers and gifts the family is suggesting donations be made to camper scholarships at Marmon Valley Ministries by calling the office at (937) 593-8000.