Wiley Eugene Auman

Jamestown-Mr. Wiley Eugene Auman, 84, was welcomed into the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 16, 2015. A celebration of his life will be at 2 PM on Wednesday, August 26 at Jamestown Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Jay Smith and Pastor Newton Cowan officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service in the fellowship hall beginning at 12:30 PM.

Wiley was the youngest of five sons born in Montgomery County to the late Wiley Wade and Callie Barnes Auman. His four brothers, Vernon, June, Wid, and Francis preceded him in death. Wiley’s inquisitive mind and love of learning was evident at an early age which led him to his first major academic accomplishment, becoming valedictorian of the 1949 class of Allen Jay High School. His pursuit of higher education took him to UNC-CH where in 1953 he received his B.S. in Business Administration, was a recipient of the Grail Scholarship, and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and Beta Gamma Sigma, an honorary business fraternity. From 1953 to 1955 he served in the US Army primarily assigned with the 8th Traffic Movement Control Group in Mannheim – Rheinau, Germany. After leaving the Army, Wiley returned to Chapel Hill where he earned his Master of Business Administration degree. Wiley also completed studies in the executive programs at University of Michigan in 1973 and Ohio State University in 1984. He was employed as Production Operations Manager and Director of Employee Relations, Battery Products Division with Union Carbide/Eveready Battery Co., and on January 1, 1994 he concluded his professional career after 37½ years of service. Due to his job Wiley and his family enjoyed moving to different areas of the country while he completed assignments and made and maintained life-long friendships. He was a servant of God and others and in the churches they attended and communities they resided Wiley was always an active member. He served as a Sunday school teacher, deacon and elder, tutored with CIS for 13 years at Union Hill School, and in earlier years was member of Kiwanis International.

He married his life partner and best friend, Barbara Wilson on July 18, 1959 and together they travelled with his job, raised their family and enjoyed the company of friends while they golfed and played bridge. People felt comfortable around Wiley because he made a point of remembering names, loved to share a story and laughed and smiled easily. His children will cherish the memory of a patient and supportive father who was slow to anger, and always there to lend a helping hand. He relished following sports, especially UNC sports, family get-togethers, feeding the birds and tending to his flowers.

In addition to Barbara, Wiley is survived by his children, Andrea (John) Michos of Hillsborough and Joseph (Nicola Smart) Auman of Maidenhead, United Kingdom; grandsons, Connor Michos and Noah Auman; granddaughters, Morgan Michos and Hope Auman; many nieces and nephews; and extended family. Their daughter, Beth Brown, passed away June 16, 1997.

Donations made in lieu of flowers to Hospice of the Piedmont, 1801 Westchester Dr., High Point, NC, 27272 or Jamestown Presbyterian Church, 1804 Guilford College Road, Jamestown, NC 27284, are greatly appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com. Hanes-Lineberry Sedgefield chapel is assisting the Auman family.