Virgil Ray Wiley

Virgil Ray Wiley was born to Jonah and Sydia (Beauchamp) Wiley on February 26, 1924 and passed away at home on Saturday, October 31, 2020, at the age of 96. Virgil was preceded in death by his brother Roy Wiley and sister Anna Morris.

Virgil grew up in Selma, graduating from Selma High School. He joined the U.S. Army in June, 1943 and left the military in March, 1946. He spent most of his time in service overseas with the 128 1st Engineer Combat Battalion and left as a Staff Sergeant.

Virgil worked as a mechanic for Rathmann Oil in Tranquillity, and a ditch tender for Tranquillity Irrigation District before joining a partnership into farming called Green Valley Farms in Tranquillity. He thoroughly enjoyed working throughout his life and loved mechanical challenges. He was a very "do it yourself" kind of man and usually succeeded at whatever he had undertaken.

While working at Rathmann's, Virgil met the secretary named Barbara Torrano who would become the love of his life. They were married and spent every day together except for 2 days for what would become 66 years. Together they were avid auto racing fans, loved going to Fresno State Bulldog basketball games (including many bus trips with close friends), and traveling to their favorite casinos for weekend gambling adventures, especially Laughlin. After leaving farming, Virgil and Barbara sold their long time home in Tranquillity and moved to their second home in Oakhurst. Together, they enjoyed their retirement and made many new friends in the mountain community.

Virgil is survived by his wife, Barbara, and his many nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces.

The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for him, including the staff at All Pro Health Care and St.

Mary's Hospice.

Remembrances may be made to the donor's favorite charity.

A Funeral Service will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Due to Covid-19 the funeral service is limited to 25 people.