Albert E. Wheless

Born in Timmonsville, SC on February 15, 1936, Albert was the last surviving child of the late Arthur Benjamin and Marie Martin Wheless. He was the faithful and devoted husband of the late Celeste Graham Wheless.

Following high school, at the age of 17, Albert joined the Army National Guard. His Army National Guard career began with training on Hawsers Guns and ending in the infantry unit. He proudly received his honorable discharge after 7 years.

In 1958 Albert married Celeste Graham, in Olanta, SC and they shared over 35 years of marriage before her passing in 1993. They were blessed with three children, Albert, Jr., Arthur and Ann Marie.

Albert attended Clemson and Wofford College before receiving his Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina Law School in 1969. Following his graduation, he and Celeste moved to North Myrtle Beach and he joined the John Jenrette Law Firm on Main St. where he became a partner about a year later. Along with practicing law, Albert served as a judge with the City of North Myrtle Beach, and seven years as City Attorney. He was a former President of the Horry County Bar Association and spent many years serving on the Bar’s Ethics Committee.

A man of strong faith, Albert was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of North Myrtle Beach. He and Celeste loved their church family and both were very active serving on various committees throughout the church. He was a former deacon and Celeste loved the children in the nursery.

Several years following the death of Celeste, Albert was blessed to find love again and married Jean Durant. They were married for 15 years before she passed.

Albert loved his family and hosting reunions at the beach as well as gatherings for the holidays and family vacations. He treasured the memories shared by his elders, writing the stories down so they can be shared for generations to come. Albert also had a love of the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and spent hours both saltwater and fresh water fishing.

Surviving are his sons, Albert E. Wheless, Jr., Arthur W. Wheless (Holly); daughter, Ann Marie Wheless Wessinger (John); grandchildren, Megan Ann Wheless Davis (Daniel), Abigail Graham Wheless, Sydney Dale Wessinger and Jessica Young Wessinger. Albert is also survived by his stepson, Jamie Durant (Lisa); stepdaughters, Debbie Locklair (Dale), Cathi Coutu; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to Celeste and Jean, Albert is preceded in death by four sisters, Sadie, Catherine, Virginia, Margaret; three brothers, Arthur Benjamin Jr., James, Frank; and stepson, Joe Durant.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff of River Park Senior Living and his long-time caregiver, Delma Logan.

A funeral service will be held at noon on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at Lee Funeral Home and Crematory with visitation one hour prior from 11:00 until noon at the funeral home. Burial to follow the service in North Myrtle Beach Memorial Gardens.

Please share memories and condolences at www.leefhandcrematory.com