Wiley Edward Hargraves

Wiley Edward Hargraves, of Groesbeck, passed away in the Limestone Medical Center on Sunday, November 1, 2015, at age 61. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at Faulkenberry Cemetery, with Pastor Randy Ayres of the Word of Life Church officiating. Wiley was born October 28, 1954 to Charles Edward and Lois (Avant) Hargraves. He grew up and attended school in Groesbeck and lived an interesting life where he enjoyed people, traveling, and entertainment in various forms. During the period of 1973 through 1976, Wiley worked for a man from Corsicana who owned three portable skating rinks and he helped him setting up the rinks in various locations, running the rink, and also skating some of the time. Around 1977, when the Carson and Barnes Circus came to Groesbeck, Wiley left town with the circus, and traveled all over the United States working with the circus for the next five years. Wiley (or Wallygator as everyone called him) went to work for Marion Dick around 1982 and helped him with plumbing until Mr. Dick passed away in 1995. During his years in Groesbeck, he was a member of the Jay Cee’s and along with Robert Nicholson and other members helped in bring wrestling performances to town, and also street dances. Wiley also participated in a group doing Old West Gun Shooting re-enactments. He always tried to participate in the various activities at Old Fort Parker, and was at one time in the process of building a stagecoach for the performances. He will lovingly be remembered for trying to help anyone that he could. Marion introduced Wiley to the bright lights and fun on a trip to Las Vegas while they were working together. Around 1995, Wiley went to Las Vegas and through lucky circumstances was employed by a lady who owned the Gold Nugget hotel and other buildings used in making films. He loved being in Las Vegas and called his cousin Honey at least every day. His health failed with diabetes and dialysis and he spent much of last few years in the hospital, until deciding to return to Groesbeck the past month. Wiley was preceded in death by parents; grandparents, Wiley Sr. and Cevilla Avant; and also Dorothy and Ednie Beck and Chresteen Avant who loved him like a son. He is survived by his brother, Robert Hargraves and his wife Santuza of Rio de Janerio, Brazil; sister, Alice Hargraves of Kosse; and cousins, Honey Beck Suttle and husband Wesley of Thornton, Rosie Pelton, Betty LaFoy, Becky Hawkins, Misty Jo Pelton; uncles, Billy Avant of Waco and Wiley Avant, Jr. of Honolulu, Hawaii; nephews, Justin Hargraves, Jimmy Spear, and Robert Lynn Perkins; niece, Samantha Ellison; and many cousins.