Joseph C. Wiley, Jr.

Joseph Charles Wiley, Jr. Affectionately known as Charles was the first of five children born to Joseph Charles and Reba Wiley in Sandersville, Georgia on January 23, 1946. He was preceded in death by siblings Richard, Barbara Ann and Maron. He is survived by his youngest sister, Cheryl Ann.

Joseph accepted Christ at a young age and was a practicing Catholic at St. Cecilia Church in Cleveland, Ohio until transferring his membership to Lee Road Baptist Church while raising his family.

Joseph graduated from John Adams High School in 1965 and continued his education by attending Cuyahoga Community College and Baldwin Wallace College.

In 1966, Joseph began his career at Ford Motor Company in Brookpark, Ohio where received many awards and he later rose to the position of Foreman in the Engine Plant. After 30 years of service, he retired in 1996, to pursue his life long dream of perpetual golf outings and casino trips.

Joseph was the loving and proud father of five children, Joseph Charles III (Carol), Nichole (Joanne) and Jomill, Marla and Damion (Mildred). In his later years, he lovingly referred to his devoted family caregiver, Susie Paige, as his “adopted” daughter.

Joseph was known for his athleticism, favoring basketball as a high school student. As a young man, Joseph became interested in golfing and bowling, eventually becoming an avid golfer who placed in many local and regional tournaments throughout his life. For many years, he was a member of the Ford Motor Company Golf League. He also loved fishing with his brother Richard, playing poker and hanging out with his oldest and dearest friend, David Mills.

During the last twelve years, Joseph fought a valiant fight with several health conditions that nearly hastened his life. However, through perseverance, tenacity and a sincere love for his children, he hung in there, ultimately fulfilling one of God’s many purposes for his life. Joseph’s attitude towards his challenges transformed his relationships with each of his children, fused them together and sharpened their focus on the value that he brought to their lives.

Joseph leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Joseph III (Alyse), Nichole (Mark), Jomill (Robert), Damion (Maisha), and Marla (Jonas) as well as ten grandchildren, four great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and a host of loving cousins, who affectionately referred to him as “Charlie Baby” and numerous other family members and friends.