Vermel Putnal Wheatly

It is with sadness and much love that we celebrate the life of Vermel Putnal Wheatly, a beloved resident of Plano, Texas, who passed away on August 8, at the age of 81.  She was born on March 25, 1943, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Curtis and Kathryn Putnal.

Vermel grew up in Jacksonville and graduated from Paxton High School where she was well known for her soprano voice. Her senior year performance as Patience in the Gilbert & Sullivan school production was a high school highlight, but she had an even more memorable event that year. Her aunt and friend introduced her to Ralph Wheatly.

On their first date, she caught Ralph’s attention in an unusual way. Ralph, having recently taken bowling lessons, invited her to go bowling. Ralph was confident that his newly acquired skills would catch her eye and provide an opportunity for him to teach her how to bowl. Little did he know that Vermel’s brother was on the school bowling team and that she frequented the local bowling alley. It turned out it was Ralph’s head that was turned that night when Vermel proceeded to win the game quite handily. That date turned into a 61-year marriage. After they were married, Vermel worked to put Ralph through law school. They were later blessed with their daughter, Rhonda, and their son, Roger.

Vermel and Ralph lived in several cities including Jacksonville, Miami, Germantown, Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta. Vermel enjoyed a career in interior design, a passion she nurtured for many years. In Atlanta, she found fulfillment volunteering with the music department at the Peachtree Corners Baptist Church. Upon returning to Dallas, Vermel continued her interior design work and remained active in her church and various community organizations. Her favorite activities included Bible studies, North Dallas Encore, the Fourth Wednesdays Book Club, and Canasta groups. Throughout their years, Vermel and Ralph were deeply connected to their Bible fellowship class at Prestonwood Baptist Church. Vermel always delighted in hosting gatherings at their home and especially cherished time spent with friends and family at their lake house.

She is survived by her husband, Ralph Wheatly; her daughter, Rhonda Arnett and husband, Scott Arnett, of Plano, Texas; her son, Roger Wheatly, and wife, Denise Wheatly, of Alpharetta, Georgia; granddaughter, Madison Wheatly, of Alpharetta, Georgia; granddaughters, Katie and Riley Arnett, of Plano, Texas; grandson, Reid Wheatly, of Alpharetta, Georgia; and a host of other loving family and friends. Vermel was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Steve Putnal.

A funeral service for Vermel will be held Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Prestonwood Baptist Church, 6801 W Park Blvd., Plano, Texas 75093. A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 3:00pm in Jacksonville Memory Gardens, 111 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park, FL 32073. Memorials in honor of Vermel may be made to the International Missions Board via their website: www.imb.org