Charles Ray Wiley

Charles Ray Wiley, just weeks shy of turning 96 years old, passed away February 8, 2021, at his home in Garden City, Idaho, with his family present.

Charles was born in Kansas City, Missouri, to Esli Reason Wiley and Ethel Rose Dessert. They moved to Boise, Idaho, when he was 15 months old. He had a brother, Harlem, and a sister, Naomi, Charles being the youngest.

Charles learned the projectionist trade after graduating from Boise High School, living in Boise for the remaining years of his life. He enlisted with the U.S. Navy during WWII, after which he returned to the projectionist field. This is where he met the love of his life, Ora L. Anderson, and they were married September 11, 1947. The first of their children born was Rick, followed by Fred. Thus, the family was complete... or so they thought.

Charles worked the farm with family during the day and as a projectionist at night. His skills were of such quality that he was approached and asked to assist with the filming of an old classic, “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” in Sun Valley in 1954.

Six years passed and feeling their family was not complete, they added to it with Arlene, followed by Doug, and finally Angela. Many years of camping and fly fishing went with that. Within that time (1962), he became a member of the church in solid good standing.

Charles finally was in position to buy a cabin in Terrace Lakes, where they spent many weekends with the family, and later he bought a cabin in McCall. Even though the family didn’t think it was a good idea, he drove himself up there until this last summer. His independence wasn't to be hindered! He spent many years enjoying a pastime of hunting and fly fishing. Growing weary of hunting, he applied his skills into training service dogs, after the kids and grandkids had left home.

Charles supported the endeavors of all his kids, which went from one end of the scale to the other. His grandchildren were the apple of his eye. At one point, he and Ora decided to have ALL the grandkids in for a month. That was quiet an eventful month.

Being a man of many hats, Charles pilled his trades as a volunteer fireman, ambulance driver, police assist, scout leader, and gardener. He was faithful father, husband, and friend. If there was a need known to him, he tried to help. He was a quiet, gentle man who held himself to the highest of standards on everything he did. Integrity was most important to him, but he didn't like to toot his own horn.

Preceding him in his death was his dear wife Ora, his parents, sister, and brother. Charles is survived by his children Rick (Pam), Fred (Mary), Arlene (Jim, Deceased), Doug (Patti), and Angela; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Charles is going to be missed by many, as he was loved by all who had the opportunity to know him. He would wish, in lieu of flowers, you perform a random act of kindness with him in mind. Don’t feel constricted to do just one, as he never did. The family appreciates all the acts of kindness done for him all these years.

Viewing will be held at the LDS chapel located at 8620 Goddard, Boise, ID, 9:45-10:45am, Thursday, February 11, 2021, with the service immediately following at 11:00am. Graveside service will be at Cloverdale Cemetery. Anything further will be announced at the service.

Due to CO-VID concerns, the service will also be livestreamed at https://zoom.us/j/91824488357
(Link is also available below.)