Mr. Tom "Larry" Wiley

Mr. Tom “Larry” Wiley, 74, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 12:00 Noon at Mt. Olive Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Walden officiating. Interment was held in the church cemetery.

He was born on July 26, 1950 to the parentage of the late Mrs. Rosetta Swint Wiley and the late Mr. T.W. Wiley in Washington County, Georgia.

At an early age he was baptized at Mount Olive Baptist Church. He graduated from T.J. Elder High School in 1968.

Before becoming a master carpet installer and skilled appliance repair technician, Larry held various jobs that helped shape his strong work ethic. These early roles provided him with valuable skill sets, laying the foundation for his later success in his trades.

Larry was a highly skilled carpet installer (Wilson Furniture Company) and appliance repair technician (Washington EMC), known for his expert craftsmanship and extensive knowledge in both fields. Whether laying carpet in a room or fixing a broken appliance, Larry’s precision and dedication were unmatched. His warm and friendly customer service always came with a smile, a funny story and a hearty laugh.

Larry was an avid hunter who eagerly anticipated hunting season each year. He loved spending time on his land with friends who would travel here to join him for their annual hunts. His passion for hunting was evident in the pride he took in his success, with several deer head trophies that stood as prized possessions; each representing memorable moments in the field. Hunting was not just a hobby for Larry, it was a cherished tradition that brought him joy and brotherhood with friends who shared his enthusiasm for the sport of hunting.

Generous and kind-hearted, Larry was especially devoted to his children, offering them not just care but love. To many, he was a father figure, and his impact on their lives will forever be cherished. His big heart, infectious humor and generous spirit made the world a better place. Larry will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Mr. Wiley leaves to cherish his memories, his wife: Mrs. Carolyn B. Wiley, Sandersville, Georgia; children: Ms. Celeste Wiley (Calvin), Tennille, Georgia, Mrs. Chandra (Marcus) Dunn, Sandersville, Georgia, Mr. Preston (Wendy) Smith, Louisville, Kentucky, Mr. Jafari Wiley, Sandersville, Georgia, Mr. Thaddeus Smith, Atlanta, Georgia, Ms. Miracle Wiley, Tennille, Georgia; devoted grandson: Mr. Keldrick W. Johnson, Sandersville, Georgia; god-children: Mr. Gary (Donnisha) Barnes, Riverdale, Georgia, Mr. Mario Thomas, Atlanta, Georgia, Mr. Brian (Natasha) Darrisaw, Suffolk, Virginia, Mr. Quinton Darrisaw, Augusta, Georgia; sisters: Mrs. Linda Monroe, Milledgeville, Georgia, Mrs. Katherine (Rev. Jerry) Walden, Wrightsville, Georgia, Mrs. Pendry (Roy) Braswell, Sandersville, Georgia, Ms. Annette Scott, Augusta, Georgia, Ms. Anissa Brinkley, Richmond, Virginia, Mrs. Myrtlelene (Jesse) Pearson, Wallingford, Connecticut, Mrs. Kathy (Rev. Eric) Murray, Tennille, Georgia; aunts: Mrs. Ethelene Wilson, New Haven, Connecticut, Ms. Virginia James, Augusta, Georgia, Mrs. Gladys Murray, Sandersville, Georgia, Mrs. Dorothy Webb, Milledgeville, Georgia, Mrs. Barbara (William) Glover, Sparta, Georgia, Ms. Shervy Wiley, Sandersville, Georgia; uncles: Mr. Sammie (Edith) Swint, New Haven, Connecticut, Mr. Marion (Pearline) Wiley, Warthen, Georgia, Mr. Walter (Louvenia) Wiley, Decatur, Georgia; special friend: Ms. Betty Darrisaw, Tennille, Georgia; ten sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law; fourteen grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. M.C. Smith Funeral Home in charge.