Obituary: JOHN SYLVESTER WHEELER, JR

By ADMIN-RAS | Published November 29, 2023 | No Comments

John Sylvester “Buzzard” Wheeler, Jr., the beloved husband of Sharon Jumper Wheeler, departed this life on Friday evening, November 24, 2023.

As a native and resident of Rockingham County, North Carolina for the majority of his life, he attended the local public schools and was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, Class of 1965. With courage and tenacity, he honorably served his country in the United States Army and retired from the National Guard, Unit 731. Following many years of laboring, he retired from the American Tobacco Company and was a former member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church. In the community, he was a member of the American Legion Post No. 199, James Rudd. During his leisure, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing dominos, spades and bid whiz.

His parents, Florence Rice Wheeler and John S. Wheeler, Sr.; step-son, Travis Jumper; siblings, Jacques, Wesley, Annie and Bobby Wheeler, preceded him in death.

Survivors are: beloved wife of 18 years, Sharon Jumper Wheeler; son, William Wheeler (Toniga); grandchildren, Bre, ZaBren, Sergio, Sianna and JaVion; sister, Karel Wheeler; brothers, James Wheeler (Annette), David Wheeler (Jewel), Anthony Wheeler (Mary) and Timothy Wheeler; special friend, Chris Broadnax; other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 2, 2023 from the West End Baptist Church, 805 Vance Street with Pastor Reginald Cook presiding. The family visitation will be Saturday from 12:30 until 1:00 p.m. at the church. Public viewing will be Friday afternoon at Johnson & Sons, 115 Holderby Street.

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