Death of George Wiley, former missionary in Paraguay

by Global Ministries | published on Oct 10, 2014

Global Ministries has received word of the passing of former missionary, George Ernest Wiley, on Saturday, February 7, 2009.

George, and his wife, Joyce, became missionaries to Paraguay in 1958, where they served for 42 years and retired in 2000. George was born June 1, 1928, in Waco, Texas, and was educated at the University of Texas, graduating with a B.A. degree in 1951, and where he also earned his Masters degree in 1957.

Throughout his long years of service, George ministered as a teacher, administrator and school director with Colegio Internacional, a Disciples of Christ institution in Asuncion, Paraguay. In addition, he served in human rights and advocacy work with the Comité de Iglesias, an interchurch human rights initiative formed during the dictatorship of President Alfredo Strossner, and at Misión de Amistad (Friendship Mission), a Disciples multi-service center serving the poorest sectors of Paraguayan society, based in Asuncion. Recognizing his leadership as an educator and advocate for justice, especially during the time of an oppressive dictatorship, the Paraguayan Congress conferred upon him honorary citizenship and approved a special law in his name.

Married June 5, 1955, the Wiley’s are parents of Richard Paul, Linda Ann, Robert Mark, and Karen Lee.

The family requests that donations in the name of George Ernest Wiley be made through Global Ministries for Friendship Mission in Asuncion, Paraguay.

Global Ministries thanks God for the life, ministry and testimony of George and celebrates his pastoral journey as part of the Church’s global presence and witness.