Born in Pike County, Alabama, Wiley graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1888.

During the First World War Wiley commanded battleship USS Wyoming (BB-32) attached to the 6th Battle Squadron of the British Grand Fleet and received the Distinguished Service Medal for his "outstanding performance."

[1] Wiley served in the years that followed as Chairman of the Maritime Commission and in other important government posts until being recalled to active duty in 1941.

Wiley retired once more 2 January 1943 and died 20 May 1943 at Palm Beach, Florida.

Wiley Hall, the main Administration Building at the United States Merchant Marine Academy is named for Admiral Wiley as the "Father of the Merchant Marine Cadet Corps".