John was born in Oconee County to the late Larry Delmar and Evie Manders Wheeler and attended Oconee County Schools, before graduating from Athens High School in 1968. He went on to attend Athens Technical College, receiving his certificate as a mechanic. John worked for 30 years with the Firestone Store in Athens and went on to work with Patton Brothers and University Tire, before retiring in 2011. John was an avid NASCAR fan, was a former member of the Athens Dart Association and was a member of Mars Hills Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Delmar Wheeler and sister, Carolyn Thornton.
John is survived by his wife, Cathy Wheeler of Bogart; children, John Curtis Wheeler, Jr. and his wife, Nikki of Athens; Michael Wheeler and his wife, Jaime of Monroe; and Cindy Lynn Wheeler of Nicholson; brothers, Randall Wheeler of Maryland and Andy Wheeler and his wife, Andrea of Watkinsville; sisters, Dr. Opal Rebecca Bunce of Athens; and Susan Combs of Columbia, TN; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
A gathering of family and friends will be held 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM Thursday, April 7, 2022 in Bernstein Funeral Home, immediately followed by the funeral service in the funeral home chapel with Reverend Jimmy Edwards officiating.
The burial will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.
The Wheeler family would like to give a special thanks to Bristol Hospice for their care and dedication during this difficult time.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 225 N Michigan Ave, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601, alz.org.
Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.
