Wiley Charles Williams, Jr., 61, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly on March 20, 2026, at HII Newport News.
Wiley was born on November 18, 1964, to Wiley Charles “Chuck” Williams, Sr. and Mary Germaine (Saala) Williams. He shared a beautiful life with his beloved wife, Penny (Bender) Williams. The two were married on November 22, 1986, at the Pleasureville United Methodist Church in York, Pennsylvania, and together they built 39 years of love, partnership, and cherished memories.
Wiley is survived by his loving wife, Penny; his son, Wil; his sister, Patricia Lands and her husband Chuck; his brother, Robert Williams and his wife Wendy; aunt Sandy Amos and her husband Bob; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Eddie Eugene Berryhill Williams.
Wiley proudly served his country in the United States Navy for over 20 years, retiring with the rank of AT1 (E-6). Following his military service, he continued his strong work ethic and dedication with HII Newport News, where he worked for 21 years as an electrician.
In addition to his career, Wiley gave back to his community by running rescue with Virginia Beach Plaza Rescue 16. He was also a talented musician and a member of the Hampton Roads Metro Band, sharing his love of music with those around him.
Wiley’s life was filled with travel and new experiences. As a child in a military family, he lived in Scotland, Connecticut, and Hawaii. During his Navy years and beyond, he also lived in Tennessee, Maryland, and Arizona, before eventually returning to Virginia Beach to settle and raise his family.
A man of many talents and interests, Wiley enjoyed drawing, woodworking, welding, and building model airplanes and cars. Music was a constant in his life, and he played several instruments including the trombone, guitar, baritone, and keyboard. He also loved traveling and spending time at home playing card games with his wife.
Wiley was known for his creativity, curiosity, and eagerness to learn. He loved being able to volunteer with the staff and students at Salem Elementary School. He was always working on a project, always building something, and always finding joy in the process. His kind spirit, dedication to his family, and wide range of talents will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends forever.
