William “Lee” Wiley

William “Lee” Wiley, a longtime resident of Chadds Ford, PA, passed away on August 3, 2022 at the age of 94.

Lee was raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the only son of the University of North Carolina Kenan Professor William L. Wiley and his wife, Dorothy. Lee attended Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA and later graduated from Princeton University with a degree in Chemistry in 1949.

Pursuing his passion for science, Lee earned his PhD in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1953. After serving in the army, Lee enjoyed a long, successful career as a chemist and executive at the DuPont company. Lee remained very active post-retirement, serving as a tax consultant and earning his pilot’s license.

Lee and his beloved wife, Molly, were married for 66 years. Together they raised two children, summered for over fifty years in Nantucket, MA, and traveled extensively. An enthusiastic bridge player, Lee attained Life Master status in his eighties. He also loved skiing, playing tennis and paddle tennis, and sailing the Chesapeake and the coast of Maine. Lee thrived in the presence of friends and family and touched many with his sociability, engaging wit, and thoughtfulness.

Lee is survived by his wife, Molly Wiley, his son, William Lee Wiley, Jr., his daughter, Cosby Wiley George, and four cherished grandchildren, Rives, Elizabeth, William, and Katie.

A service will be held at Christ Church Christiana Hundred, 505 E. Buck Road, Greenville, Delaware on Monday, August 15 at noon.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Nantucket Conservation Foundation (nantucketconservation.org) are appreciated.