Noel Clifton Wiley

Noel Clifton Wiley, aged 93, peacefully passed away on June 26, 2025, in Harlingen, Texas. Born on May 2, 1932, in Runnels County, Texas, he was the son of A.N. Wiley and Gladys Paschal Wiley.

Noel graduated from Winters High School in 1950 and went on to marry Joline Baker, with whom he had two children—Alan Noel and Laura Jo. Noel always said he was born too late. Throughout his life, Noel expressed a deep appreciation for the simpler pleasures and the Western lifestyle, which fostered a meaningful connection with the Amish community. This bond led him to engage in business with them, specializing in the buying and selling of horses, carriages, tack, and even horse milk.

His varied career included roles as a farmer, livestock inspector for the State of Texas, and real estate developer in the Rio Grande Valley, where he contributed significantly to the development of La Sombra del Mesquite and Liberty Estates in San Benito.

Together with his wife, Irma, Noel operated a successful horse business, managing 60 riding horses on South Padre Island. Their Cinderella horse carriage business became popular for quinceañeras and weddings, and during the holiday season, they organized festive rides for nursing home residents to enjoy the Christmas lights. Additionally, their horse-drawn carriages played a prominent role in parades, carrying dignitaries through the valleys.

A faithful member of the Baptist faith, Noel attended the Lighthouse in San Benito for worship and singing, activities he cherished deeply. He maintained a strong spiritual connection, often referring to the "Good Lord" and faithfully reading “Our Daily Bread” and the Bible. Known for his cowboy spirit, he was rarely seen without his signature western hat and boots. Having lived in the valley for over 50 years, he leaves behind a legacy of friendship and fond memories.

Noel is preceded in death by his parents, A.N. and Gladys Wiley. He is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Irma Wiley; his children, Alan Wiley (Mary Anne) and Laura Turnipseed (Bill); his grandchildren, Michael Wiley, Brandy Gray, Timothy Turnipseed, Tara Williams, Aaron Wiley, Brandon Wiley; his great-grandchildren, Alexander, Courtney, Madison, Haven Wiley, Hunter and Liam Gray, Shelby, Shaye, Shyler, and Shepherd Williams; his sister, Louise Hatcher of Abilene, Texas; along with special friends Arturo and Toyo Garcia and the Beto Flores family.

The Wiley family will receive friends and relatives on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A celebration of Noel’s life will begin at 6:00 o’clock Saturday evening.

For those desiring to do so, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice in Noel’s memory.