The son of H. W. Straley III and Garnet Brammer Straley, Wilt attended Georgia State University, where he received both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees. He then earned his PhD in Mathematics from Auburn University, specializing in Topology, and two MBAs in Finance and International Business from Georgia State. Over the course of his distinguished academic career, he taught in both Europe and North America, including several colleges and universities in the Atlanta area: Georgia State, Mercer, Clayton State, and finally Oglethorpe University. At Oglethorpe, he held the title of Professor of Business Administration and Mathematics for twenty-five years, leading the development of the university’s first MBA Program and serving as its inaugural director. In recognition of his lifetime achievements in teaching and service, Oglethorpe University awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Science in Business.
From his youth, Wilt was a talented athlete and an avid tennis player, winning the National High School Lawn Tennis Doubles Championship in his senior year and playing competitively on the tennis team at Georgia State. In later years, he enjoyed tennis and racquetball, hiking and camping, and running – rarely missing a Peachtree Road Race, and never passing up the reward of a cold beer afterwards. Though he called Atlanta home, Wilt was a seasoned and adventurous traveler: he visited all seven continents, had a story to tell about every locale, and was the ideal travel companion and guide to those of us who knew him best. He remained an eternal student, enthusiastically learning about new places, people, cuisines, customs, and ideas.
Wilt is survived by his wife, Meg Straley; his daughter, Jessica Straley, of Salt Lake City; two cherished grandsons, Elliott and Julian Preiss; his former wife, Tina H. Straley; his brother, Harrison W. Straley; many loved nieces and nephews; dear friends and colleagues; and generations of former students.
His family and friends will hold a private memorial service. For those who wish to do so, we welcome memorial donations to Oglethorpe University in honor of Dr. William Straley, to be used for student scholarships.
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