DONALD RAY WILEY
"Don"

Donald Wiley passed away at his home on May 13, 2023. He was born on October 20, 1955 at Palo Verde Hospital to Lytle and Annita Wiley.

Don attended Ruth Brown Elementary School, Blythe Middle School, Palo Verde High School, Palo Verde College and California State Polytechnic University- Pomona.  Upon receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Ornamental Horticulture in December 1977, he returned to Blythe to join the family business - Green Valley Nursery.  Old school met new school and, after a time, our Dad (Lytle) considered using some of Don's "new school" ideas.  In 1989 Green Valley Nursery was sold to Inland Builders Supply.

Don started working at Ironwood State Prison in 1989. He transferred to Chuckawalla State Prison and went to work as an educational instructor in landscaping. He retired from the prison in 2012.

When our Mother (Annita) passed away in August of 1995, Don started a wholesale nursery - Green Valley Enterprises, selling plants to nurseries along the Colorado River, in addition to Inland Builders Supply in Blythe. After a few years, his sales were to Inland Builders Supply only and still are today.

Don loved the Community of Blythe and was very involved with young people. Don was very active in the Blythe Little League for many years. Don coached, managed and umpired many teams and games. In 1977 Don became Blythe's "Santa".  For the next 30 plus years, "Santa" visited schools, company Christmas parties, the Nursing home and many individual homes. "Santa" didn't want to be paid for any of these visits, and any funds received were donated back to families that needed help with providing Christmas for their families.

Upon the passing of our Mother, in 1995 the funds were donated to the Soroptimist International of Blythe to enable the establishment of the Annita Wiley Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship continues to help the youth of our local community achieve their goals of attaining a higher education.

Don was an avid sports fan. The LA Dodgers, LA Lakers, any team in the NFC West, he rooted for.  Don loved NASCAR races also.

Don was an avid bowler and participated in many Bowling Tournaments.

Don was a member of the Community United Methodist Church Bell Choir from 1994 until the Choir disbanded in 2016.

Don is survived by his sister, Sharilyn Wiley, sister-in-law Sally Wiley, step-son Matt Rodrick, nephews Nicholas Wiley, Stewart (Randy) Echeverria, niece Dee Dee Rodrick, adopted sister Barbara Carter, great nephews, Joshua Wiley, Brigham Brown, Stewie Echeverria, Eric Echeverria, Thomas Echeverria, Izaak Knezovich, great nieces, Kaitlynne Echeverria, Kathryn Echeverria, Delsia Burkey, Becky Brown, great­great-nephews Jethro John, great-great nieces Persaphone Burkey, Miyoki Wiley, Fiora Wiley and Amara Wiley. Chosen family Alysa Diaz and son Ricky. Lifetime friends Charles Covington and Bob Ingersoll. And many numerous cousins and friends. Last, but not least...his dog and constant companion "Sadie".

Don was preceded in death by his parents Lytle and Annita Wiley, brother John Wiley and sister Linda Wiley.

Don will be greatly missed by his family and friends.  Don has gone to a far better place, but will never be gone from our hearts. We have been blessed with many precious memories that will stay with us for our lifetimes.

A memorial service for Don will be held on Thursday, June 1st, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Frye Chapel in Blythe.