Robert Wiley, Jr

Robert James Wiley, Jr., 71, was born to the late Robert Sr. and Coconello Wiley, a self-employed contractor and a homemaker, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas on May 3, 1950. He was the third and only boy of nine children born to this union. He is predeceased by his first wife, Monica Sue Cooper Wiley, both parents, a sister, Verna Mae Johnson, and a nephew, Larry Kevin Johnson, Jr.

He received the Lord Jesus Christ as a young man and from the moment after rededicating his heart and life, he enthusiastically served and had a lively relationship with the Lord; so much so that he was not ashamed to speak of it to anyone who would listen.  Sharing how he would pray, talk, cry, and laugh with the Lord was the highlight of his day.

Robert attended Sanford B. Ladd Elementary, Central Jr. Middle and graduated from Central Sr. High School of Kansas City, MO. For many years, he worked alongside his father as a contractor until branching off to start his own contracting business where he excelled just like his father did. Although a highly skilled as a builder, his true passion was painting, which was therapeutic to him. Being semi-retired from contracting, he decided to go into a different field for lighter work, which lead him to the restaurant industry.

The Peach Tree Cafeteria is where he would make his final lifetime impact beginning from July 2014 until his passing.  He loved and truly enjoyed working for the owners, Vera and Lavell Willis and had a close relationship with their son and manager of the restaurant, Roy E. Wikmore, who affectionately called him “Uncle Rob.” He took pleasure in working with his co-workers as well and needless to say, The Peach Tree was his second family. As their Head Custodian he took pride in cleaning, maintaining, and repairing any and all things at each Peach Tree location.

Robert had many hobbies, which included building model cars, fishing, working on cars, and movies (especially westerns). He loved barbeque, jazz and gospel music, sports, and talking about current affairs.  But what brought him complete happiness was spending time with his grand children. His humor and laugh were contagious.

Robert James Wiley, Jr. was a remarkable man who lived his life to the fullest. He had a generous heart, gave to those in need, and he never met a stranger because to him…everyone was a friend. He will truly be missed by all who crossed his path.

He departed this life on Sunday, February 20, 2022, in his home.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Jacquelyn Walker – Kansas City, MO.; two sons, John B. Wyatt (Dawn), Charles Joseph James Wiley – Kansas City, MO; two daughters Michelle D. Thomas (Fredrick) – Nevada; Javonda Arnetta Hardiman (Jeremy) – Kansas City, MO.; eleven grandchildren; Azaysha Echols, Jaden Charley Wiley, Jasmine Marie Wiley, Jeremy Hardiman Jr. – Kansas City, MO.; three others of Reno, Nevada; four others of Kansas City, MO.; one great-grandson, Monte Echols – Kansas City, MO.; two step-sons, Donovan Templeton, Austin Walker – Kansas City, MO.; seven sisters, Dorsie Tibbs (Rev. Fred) - Houston, TX; Olester Lewis (Rev. Ron) - Kansas City, MO; Kaffey Hinds (Lee) - Milton, FL; Ruschell Renee Weaver (Arthur); Pamela Perkins (Rev. Donald); Dr. Ruby Jemison (Mitchell); and Gail Kelley, all who reside in Kansas City, MO, and a host of nephews and nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends.