John William Wheeler Sr. June 26, 1928 - March 16, 2026 

John “Johnnie” Wheeler walked into the arms of Jesus on Monday, March 16, 2026. 

He was born on June 26, 1928, in Lexington to Cora May (Ruley) Wheeler and William Marshall Wheeler.

Johnnie devoted his life to his faith and his family. He loved sitting around the table with a cup of coffee and some decadent dessert, visiting with family, friends, and church family. A devoted Christian, Johnnie loved the Lord above all else. He faithfully served as a member of Faith Baptist of Palm Bay, Fla. He served the Savior in so many ways: He supported many missionaries over the years, including one who helped translate the New Testament into the So language in Thailand, as he was passionate about the scripture, especially John 4:35 (The fields are ripe for harvest). He helped start and maintain the bus ministry at Camp SpringsCommunity Church in Camp Springs, Maryland. There are many children and their parents who have heard about Jesus and have come to know him as their personal savior through the bus ministry. He witnessed wherever he was, including putting smiley face tracts in unusual places, Walmart, and then always when he paid the check.

He joined the Navy at 17 and served two years as an airplane mechanic. He was a true patriot and loved our country. He was employed at International Harvester in several different positions. He was always looking for ways to grow and improve his position. When he started there, he was a mechanic. He took the initiative to attend Diesel School, working all day and attending school at night to graduate. He took on the responsibility of Union Representative and fought for better working conditions. He was promoted to shop foreman, then customer service rep and problem solver. At night, he worked at Prinkey Moving Company and Jenkins Florist on trucks for many years. He was a member of the Sons of the Revolution.

In addition to his parents, Johnnie was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Frances Nelson (Black) Wheeler; his brother, Marshall Brooke Wheeler; his son-in-law, Clyde Griggs; and his grandson, Seth Griggs. 

He is survived by his sister, Dorothy Dailey of Roanoke; a sister-in-law, Carol Hines of Lexington; three children, Ava Yvonne Wheeler Sale (John) of Riva, Md., Lana Faye Wheeler Griggs (Clyde-deceased) of Clinton, Md., and John William Wheeler Jr. (Judy), of Palm Bay, Fla., 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. 

A graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, March 27, at Oxford Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Lexington by Kenny Martin.  The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 27, at Harrison Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Oxford Presbyterian Cemetery Maintenance Fund.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.