Wiley Mcclain, Sr.

Wiley E. McClain, Sr was born on October 2, 1929, the year of the Great Depression in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was the eldest son born to Gladys S. Colding McClain Williams and Frank McClain. Wiley was a gifted and natural learner, who taught himself to swim, draw, paint and play the saxophone and piano. Understanding the value of work at an early age, Wiley started earning his own money at 9 years old. One of his many jobs was a caddy at a local golf club. In junior high, he and his family moved to Pittsburg, California. located northeast of the city of Oakland, in the Bay Area. Continuing to be a natural at anything he tried, Wiley was a standout athlete in football, basketball, and track at Pittsburg High School, home of the Pirates. His favorite sport was track, which he and his best friend and teammate, NFL Hall of Famer, John Henry Johnson traveled up and down the state of California competing in all of the major track meets. With their athletic prowess, the story goes, that Wiley on the track and John Henry in the field events, together won a whole track meet for the Pirates. Headline news clippings would read, “McClain, Johnson Carry Local Hopes In State Meet” and “State Meet Draw Favors McClain.” Speaking of his life-long friend, Wiley would often say, “John Henry is strong, but I was faster, he never beat me.” As a California high school state champion in the quarter-mile race, Wiley’s accomplishments are on record at the Pittsburg Historical Society Museum. After graduating high school, Wiley attended San Jose State University and played on the football team as a halfback. Continuing to get press mentions, at a game against University San Francisco, an intense rivalry, “Mighty Mite” Wiley scampered 66 yards to score for State.” In his sophomore year, he was drafted into the army and gave his military service in the Korean War on the “central front line.” During his time in the war, he told God, “you keep me alive, I promise I’ll settle down and get married.” Upon his return to Pittsburg, he met Princess and did what he promised God and made her his wife. In 1953, they moved to Denver to join several other relatives who had relocated from Arkansas. Looking for steady working to support his growing family, Wiley worked for Denver Public School, as what is now called, a maintenance engineer for 30 years, retiring from his last school, Phillips Elementary in Park Hill. With early retirement in his fifties, Wiley and Princess enjoyed traveling and working together on smalls jobs here and there, until her transition in 2001. Princess was his light, which he was devoted to her through the remaining of his life. Wiley maintained his physical physique and strength by exercising every day doing old-fashion calisthenics. He was a testament to fitness coined by former First Lady Michelle Obama, “just move!” His hobbies included listening to jazz music, enjoying art in any form, doing arts and crafts. He was an excellent dancer, known to start the party with his infamous kick and swing dance step. A very generous and good-spirited man to all, during the winters, while he still lived in his home on 3030 Kearney, Wiley was known along with his sidewalk, to shovel his neighbor’s walks along the block. Both family and friends are well accustomed to Wiley’s generosity, compassion, and loyalty, as you could count on him for a helping hand or an encouraging word. His favorite words of wisdom were, “don’t be your own-self worst enemy, be good to yourself.” Wiley had a sweet disposition and a beautiful smile. An impeccable role-model to all, Wiley transitioned from this life on September 17, 2018 and leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his legacy are beloved progenies including: sons, Donald (Consuela) of Sacramento, California with 4 daughters, 5 grandchildren; Douglas (deceased) of Sacramento with 9 children, 34 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren; Wiley Jr. of Denver with one son, 4 grandchildren; daughters, Paula, Patricia with 1 daughter, and Priscilla all of Denver; sister Frank M. Bowman of Oakland, California; brother, Edward “Chuck” Williams of Denver; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends around the country.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell - 6601 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO
Visitation: 9/30/2018 at 12:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 10/1/2018 at 11:00 AM - Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church - 3301 Leyden Street, Denver, Colorado
Cemetery: 10/1/2018 at 2:00 PM Staging Area A Ft. Logan National Cemetery - 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, CO
Family Gathering: 10/1/2018 at 3:30 PM Following Interment Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church - 1500 E. 22nd Ave., Denver, Colorado