Gary David Wiley was born in Burton, Kentucky on November 14, 1939. He was born to Overton Wiley and Mary Mabel Wiley nee Dixon. He grew up in the hills and coal mines of Kentucky with his four brothers : Overton Jr., Jimmy, Jack, and Russell (Rusty) and three sisters :  Betty, Helen, and Elena. After graduating high school from Wheelwright High in 1957 he immediately entered the US Air Force. After serving four years in the Air Force he decided he wanted something a little more challenging and within a couple weeks was in the US Army. He became a medic and served three tours in Vietnam as a combat medic. He travelled the world while in the Army and while stationed in South Korea met and married Tai Hwa Chang in June of 1963. In 1972 they adopted a korean orphan when she was about two weeks old and named her Donna Kay Wiley. Gary stayed in the Army for twenty years and finally retired a First Sergeant or Top. After retiring from the service he got a job with the US Postal Service as a letter carrier. He went on to become highly involved with the Union as a Shop Steward and Union Representative for Branch 1100. He finally became a grandfather to Jeremiah Thaddeus Wiley-Straight in 1992. Jeremiah was truly his pride and joy and the apple of his eye.
 
He stayed employed with the USPS until his death on January 30, 2008. He was 68 years old. Everyone who was fortunate enough to have met him instantly respected and liked him. He was one of those men who personifies what it means to be a good American man: hard-working, loyal, loving, and willing to give his life for others and his country. A great man has left this Earth, but his spirit is still with us. He will continue to guide us and protect us with his presence and love.

Gary is survived by his wife, Tai, daughter, Donna, grandson, Jeremiah, brothers Jimmy, Jack, and Rusty, and his sister Betty.

Please if anyone has any corrections or any information they would like added let me know.

Sincerely,

Donna Wiley