Bernard William Wheatley

Bernard William Wheatley, 96, a resident of Jamestown, passed away on Friday March 13, 2026. He was born on October 14, 1929, in Washington D.C., the son of the late Kenneth Benton Wheatley, Sr. and Elizabeth Irene Spauls Wheatley. He was preceded in death by his brothers Wilford and Kenneth, and his sister Rita.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was a retired postal carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. Bernie never missed a day of work in 37 years as a postal carrier. This was quite an achievement, as this work was particularly arduous at the time; the mail was carried by foot in a leather postal pouch to the doors of the houses on his route.

Bernie was known for his commitment to eating well and exercising regularly. He attended Sportscenter Athletic Club almost daily until he turned 91. After that, he continued to exercise at home on his own equipment. He lived a life of good health and because of this never took any medication (not even an aspirin!) and had not been to a physician for many years. His sister Rita always told him that he would live to be 100. He came darn close.

Bernard was married to Lois Wheatley who preceded him in death on February 16, 2016. He was also preceded in death by his son, Darrell Wheatley.

Surviving family members are his daughter, Carol Linn Cerra and husband John Cerra of Jamestown; his brother, Vincent Wheatley and wife Delores of Beltsville, MD; grandson, Alec Cerra; two granddaughters, Chelsie Wheatley-Paresa, Jessica Wheatley and three great grandsons, Breon and Jacoby Wheatley, Mica Wheatley- Paresa, and one great grand-daughter Josie Linn Wheatley-Paresa.

Private family interment services will be held in Emmitsburg Memorial Cemetery in Emmitsburg, Maryland.