Melvin Wiley

Melvin, though your days among us were too brief and our grief at your loss is never-ending, we draw comfort from the knowledge that you have found safe refuge in The LORD and in our hearts, where no darkness or pain can touch you now.  We bless you with our love, light and our gratitude.

Therefore we make this “Resolution of Respect:  Whereas, Melvin Wiley born October 1,1950 in Sylvester, Georgia to the late Eddie James Wiley and Irene Wiley.  The death of Melvin does not diminish the profound benediction of a life lived as a born again Christian, nor does it diminish our love and admiration for him.  Melvin Wiley was a member of the Church of Christ, 200 Forest Ave, Avon park, FL.

Melvin oftentimes would rise up early in the mornings to write thank you notes to the LORD.  One such morning on January 17, 2014 at 2:35 a.m.  he wrote, “Some day The LORD is going to call the roll and I want to be there to see my family and friends.  So, get your life together and come on over to The LORD.  You see The LORD already gave me His command, and I am going to keep my mind on God.  I got my mind made up; God put it in my heart, so all you got to do is live right and do the things God wants you to do.  Give your life to God!  Sometimes there will be trouble, but God is the only one that can set your soul free.  God gave me a new life, He is working on me.  He will turn your life around, cause I tried Him, so I know He will turn your life around too.”

Whereas,  Melvin Wiley also known as “Yet” and “Bubba” was one of God’s fishermen.  He spent many hours during the day and night fishing often giving some to others.  Also, Melvin truly enjoyed working in the watermelon field, which was not just a job, but a holy vocation and we believe that his faithfulness in this field, he did as unto the LORD as described in Colossians 3:23-24.  Moreover, he took pride in the knowledge he acquired regarding the care and harvesting of watermelons at all stages in a scientific manner.

Melvin loved his family very much and spent many hours sharing  family stories.  He leaves to mourn his transition to heaven, his wife, Carrol Watson Wiley, whom he cherished and loved dearly.  He also leaves his beautiful daughter, Latangela Vesssel, grand daughter Car’Neisha Vessel; and siblings:  Agnes Ludden (James), Deloris Gammage (Eddie), Barbara Rowe, Juanita Wiley, Rose Wiley, Bennie Wiley (Faye)  and Larry Wiley.  He has a host of beloved nephews, nieces, cousins, step children and grandchildren, and dedicated in-laws, and faithful friends. Melvin also had a son Darin Wiley that proceeded him in death.

Therefore, it is resolved that we wish that all who mourn for him take comfort from the immortal words of Holy Scripture in Revelation 14:13 “Then I heard a voice from heaven say, Write this:  “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”  Yes, says the Spirit, “They will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”   1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 says, “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.  Finally, John 11:25-26 says, Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.  The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.  Do you believe this?  Melvin Wiley believed!