Wiley Lee Willbanks' Obituary
Wiley Lee Willbanks was born June 29, 1938 to the late B.L. and Velma (Sherrell) Willbanks in Kilgore, Texas. Wiley graduated from Sabine High School in 1956, married his high school sweetheart Patsy Ann Lucas on October 12, 1957 and served in the United States Army for 2 years, 9 months, and 14 days of active duty. Upon return from deployment in Korea, Wiley separated from the army and returned home to Liberty City. Mr. Willbanks began working for Texas Eastman Kodak and in 1963, he moved his family to White Oak. During his 33 years of working for Texas Eastman and before retiring in 1993, Wiley acquired an Associate Degree from Kilgore College. Through the years, Wiley enjoyed hunting, camping with his family, fishing, golfing, and going to the horse races in Shreveport. Mr. Willbanks had the ability to meet challenges in his life while continuing to enjoy his hobbies and spending time with his family. He ate dessert almost daily, lovingly cared for his wife Pat, enjoyed watching the Texas Rangers on TV, and attended his grandchildren’s events as much as possible. Mr. Willbanks was a member of the White Oak Church of Christ.
Wiley is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patsy Willbanks of White Oak; son, Mike Willbanks and wife Kim of White Oak; daughter, Leeann Kienzle and husband Denny of White Oak; daughter, Karon Wingo and husband Floyd of White Oak; grandchildren, Krystal Rabb and husband Dale of White Oak, Kristopher Willbanks and wife Laura of Odessa, Kayla Pullen and husband Chase of White Oak, Kelsi Harrison of Denver, CO, Kara Oram and husband Bradon of Hallsville, and Kason Kienzle of White Oak, Justin Matchett and Jake Matchett and their families; great grandchildren Izakk Willbanks, Aubrey and Gaven Willbanks, and Lilly Pullen; brother, Ottis Willbanks of Dallas, sister Dorothy Elsey of Grapevine, brother, Floyd Willbanks and wife Lotte of San Antonio; as well as other loving family members and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Daisy Sledge and two brothers, Darrel Willbanks and Dannon Willbanks.
Funeral services will be held at the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 25 at 10 am. A visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5~7 pm at the Funeral Home.
What’s your fondest memory of Wiley ?
What’s a lesson you learned from Wiley ?
Share a story where Wiley 's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Wiley you’ll never forget.
How did Wiley make you smile?
