Obituary: Dennis Wiley (1954-2014)
A Celebration of Dennis’s life will be held on February 25 at 1 p.m. at Calvary Chapel, 210 E. Springer, Ridgecrest, Calif. Pastor Billy Phipps from RCA will officiate with a reception to follow. Softball attire/casual wear is highly encouraged as this is what Dennis would want.
Dennis was born November 3, 1953 in Fullerton, Calif. to Bob and Dolores Wiley. He worked as a meat cutter over the years at various chain grocery stores and privately owned stores. He married his first wife, Javanna Wiley, and they had 3 children together, Trevor, Amy and Sara. The family moved to Ridgecrest in 1994 where Dennis was employed by Albertsons and Inyokern Market. Dennis and Javanna later divorced and he took a job in Mammoth Lakes, Calif. as a meat cutter at Vons where he met his wife, Kelly Wiley.
Dennis and Kelly lived in Mammoth together until 2005, whereupon they moved back to Ridgecrest. Dennis went back to work at Inyokern Market managing the meat department. He soon retired and managed his side business, The Family Tree, a tree cutting service.
Dennis was well known in Ridgecrest, Mammoth Lakes, Bishop, Victorville and in the Antelope Valley for slow pitch softball. Dennis played on many teams, ran many tournaments, and umpired many games. He had such a love for this sport and he was very passionate about it. He was blessed to also be able to coach his grandson’s t-ball and baseball teams. Even in Dennis’s last days, all he wanted to do was go to his softball games.
Dennis loved God, his family, slowpitch softball, golfing, and playing his guitar. He displayed his love for the Lord by giving to others. Dennis had a heart of gold and gave to anyone who had a need – without question or hesitation. He also loved to sing and play his guitar. He played with the Celebrate Recovery Band at Crossroads Community Church for a few years.
God gave Dennis many gifts and talents and Dennis put all of them to good use and touched many lives. There is no doubt that God welcomed Dennis with open arms, thanking him for being a faithful servant. ennis is probably the starting pitcher for God’s softball team now or he’s strumming his guitar singing praise and worship music with the angels.
Dennis was a devoted husband, father, brother and son. He was a God fearing man who loved the Lord, a wonderful friend and he loved his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Although our hearts are broken and we miss him dearly, we rejoice in knowing he is in the arms of Jesus. We anxiously await for our reunion with him in Heaven.
Dennis is survived by his loving wife of 14 years, Kelly Wiley, his son Trevor, his daughters Amy (Tony Vuono) and Sara (Justin Todd), stepdaughter Sarah (Gabe Waliser), stepson Josh Hawkins, his parents Bob and Dolores Wiley, brothers Steve (Gloria), Allan and Randy (Kim). Also his grandchildren, Avery, Ayden, Ashton (Vuono), Cole and Payton (Todd), Makenna Wiley and Baby Waliser who is on the way.
Dennis was proceeded in death by his grandparents Della Mae and Leon W. Mershon, Bessie L. and Pleas D. Wiley Uncles Wayne and Kenneth Mershon and Cliff Vest.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at Navy Federal Bank – account number 7619719 Routing number 256074974 in Kelly Wiley’s name to help with medical/memorial expenses. The Pizza Factory in Ridgecrest will also host a fundraiser on Feb. 27 for Dennis’s family.
