John Paul Wiley

John Paul Wiley went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 30, 2016. He was born on April 7, 1930 in Azle, TX to parents John Hinkle Wiley and Lena Valera Booth. After growing up in Azle and graduating from high school, he went on to earn his Bachelor of Music Ed in 1958 from the University of Corpus Christi and his Master of Science in 1961 from Texas College of Arts in Kingsville, TX (Texas A&M-Kingsville). During this time he married and had four daughters.

John loved the Lord, his family and music. He earned his first paycheck by playing the fiddle at the young age of 12. He bought his first car with the money he earned by his talent and love for music by playing the fiddle (violin).

John always had the heart of a teacher. He influenced, motivated, and inspired thousands of students at Deer Park Independent School District (DPISD). He was the one who started the Orchestra Program at DPISD. As the DPHS Band Director, he led the band to win Sweepstakes for ten consecutive years. He continued on to be the Asst. Principal of Deer Park, Deepwater and Bonnette Jr. High, where he was a great inspiration for his students and co-workers.

In addition to his educational pursuits, he was the Minister of Music at churches in different cities in Texas. He is best remembered as Minister of Music and Deacon at Deer Park First Baptist Church (DPFBC).

In 1975 he married Nancy Ann, who had two daughters. He spent his life dedicated to teaching his students and loving his family. He also had an adventurous spirit and received his pilot's license in 1969. Most importantly, those that had daily contact with him knew he was never short on humor. He loved to make people smile and laugh.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and son-in-law Rudy Ybarra. He is survived by his brother, Jimmy Clyde (wife Bodie), his wife Nancy Ann Wiley, and his daughters/spouses: Kitty Nelson/Neil; Sandy Graham Williamson/George; Patty Moore-Payne/Larry; Susie Barnes/Gregg; Stephanie Stephens/Judy Ellisor and Lynley Ybarra/Rick Williams, as well as 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his long time business partner and friend, Benson Walls/Valerie.

A service celebrating his life will be held at Deer Park First Baptist Church on June 4, 2016 at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Tommy Meekins, a Pastor and former student. All are welcome to celebrate and share in this memorial of his joyous life.