Obituary

Wiley Oates Kennedy Jr., 93, of Newport Beach, California, passed away peacefully surrounded by his three children on August 17, 2024. Wiley is survived by his beloved wife of over 67 years, Ursula Ellen (née Roney); their children, Ursula Ann, Kathleen, and Wiley III; three grandchildren, Samantha, Kelly, and William; an honorary grandson, Paul; and one great-granddaughter, Lucy.

Born in Livingston, Texas, and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, he graduated from Chicora High School, received a BA from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley. Wiley proudly served in the US Navy as a Lieutenant Junior Grade aboard the USS Missouri. He spent most of his career in the aerospace industry, working on cutting-edge and often top-secret aircraft at companies such as McDonnell Douglas, Hughes, and Northrop Grumman. Wiley was fascinated by his work and enjoyed contributing to American aeronautics and space exploration. He was exceptionally proud of his grandson, William, who was inspired to also pursue a career in space exploration.

It was love at first sight for Wiley and Ursula in 1955. After being set up on a blind date, the true love between the couple never wavered and their love story rivaled a fairytale for nearly 70 years. Wiley was happiest when his home was filled with friends and family. He enjoyed any excuse to celebrate life’s incidental and important moments with family dinners, parties, and get-togethers. Holidays were particularly special for him, and he would often be found helming the skillet to fry his world-famous bacon—a treat eagerly “quality checked” by his grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as “Poppy.

Wiley was an inquisitive and intelligent man whose first words as a child were, “What’s that?” He loved reading, classical music, and opera and owned season tickets to the local opera house for many years. He had an amazingly well developed sense of humor and a dry wit. He made people smile and also loved laughing at humor shared by others. His dignified yet playful personality was charming to all and made him a pleasure to spend time with.

Wiley was a true gentleman of integrity and strong character. He enthusiastically supported the people in his life and encouraged their pursuit of big dreams. Especially notable was his progressive support of women achieving their goals. His strong embraces and wise counsel made him the rock of his family and a role model to all. He loved his family above everything else and always stepped up like a ‘Knight in Shining Armor’ when challenges arose, whether they were small issues or world-class crises. It gives his loved ones comfort to know that he joins his parents, Wiley Sr. and Martha (née Warner); brothers, Charles and Michael; sister Ann; and grandson, Scott, in heaven. He is profoundly missed by those fortunate enough to have known him, leaving a void that can never be filled.