Billy Glen Wiley

1938 - 2025

Billy Glen Wiley, affectionately known as BB to his family, passed away peacefully with family by his side on February 28, 2025. Born on Sept 19, 1938, in Leander, Texas, Bill was the youngest of eight children and a proud valedictorian at Leander High School. His early aspirations of exploration and adventure beyond Central Texas began in Washington, DC as a doorman for the House Chamber and staffer for Representative Thornberry. He received his undergraduate degree in Plan II Honors program followed by his law degrees at the University of Texas in 1962 and then secured employment as a briefing attorney for the Texas Supreme Court. After his one-year appointment he joined a law firm in Dallas as an appellate attorney. From there he ventured back to Washington DC to begin his illustrious career in the political scene. He had the great honor of working for several esteemed Representatives like Homer Thornberry and Jake Pickle. He would have amazing impacts while working for several different groups including the Area Redevelopment Administration (ARA) and later American Petroleum Institute (API) traveling all over the world to facilitate resolutions for many types of issues. In 1968, Standard Oil hired him to begin his long-lasting career. In 1970, he moved to their Chicago office where he rose to become the Vice President of Governmental Affairs. During his tenure at Standard Oil (later Amoco), Bill would travel the world promoting and litigating their issues. In 1991, he decided to take an early retirement package and begin his travel adventures for fun and leisure.

In 1975 he met his beloved partner, Jim Flynn, and they shared 48 wonderful years together until Jim's passing in 2023. They married in Hawaii in December of 2013, and explored the globe together during their years together, visiting every continent except for Antarctica. They loved to travel and explore!

Bill's passion for architecture led him to become a docent at the Chicago Architectural Center from 2007-2019. Bill was one of the most amazing hosts and tour guides. Those who went to visit him in Chicago were treated like royalty. Bill also served on the Board of Directors of Henrotin Hospital and was instrumental in creating the Washington Square Health Foundation which he served on the board for over 25 years.

Bill was also the family's dedicated chronicler maintaining the Wiley World Web (WWW) keeping the extended family up to date on all family matters, including birthdays, anniversaries, and more which he continued until his passing. One of his proudest accomplishments was securing the naming of the Bernice Knox Wiley Middle School in Leander, Texas in 2006 in honor of his mother.

Bill was a remarkable man - intelligent, compassionate, and full of life. He will be missed dearly by every life he touched. Bill had recently returned to Texas to be close to family and cherish the memories of his extraordinary life.

Funeral services will be held on March 12 at Beck Funeral Home in Cedar Park, TX, with visitation at 1 p.m. and the service at 2 p.m. Graveside services will follow at Baghdad Cemetery in Leander, Texas. Friends and family will gather afterwards to celebrate his life.

He was preceded in death by his beloved husband, Jim Flynn, and his parents, Farrest Mood and Bernice Knox Wiley.

Bill is also reunited with his brother, Farrest A. Wiley; his brother Herschel Knox "Judge" Wiley and his wife Billye; his brother Roger Thomas "Tots" Wiley and his wife Novella; his brother Bobbie "Bob" Lee Wiley and his wife Mary Lou; his sister Lillian Juanita Henry and her husband Fred; his sister-in-law Louise Wiley; his brother-in-law Charlie Pardonner; his nephew Kenny Wiley; and his niece Patricia McCown.

Bill is survived by his brother Ivan Joe Wiley, his sister Amanda Jane Pardonner and many nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces, great-great nephews and nieces and other extended family members. Pallbearers are Travis Henry, Greg Ryden, Kevin Ryden, Adam Schroeder, Chad Wiley and Meason Wiley.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to your favorite charity.