Joseph Henry Wheeler Jr.

Joseph Henry Wheeler, Jr., 90, of Charlotte, NC went to be with the Lord on December 16, 2014. Born August 6, 1924 in Greenville, MS, he was the son of the late Mr. Joseph Henry Wheeler, Sr., and Mrs. Mildred Louise Wheeler (Heidt). He was a graduate of Greenville High School and, during WWII, served in the United States Air Corp on B-17s (1943-1946).

During WWII he served in the Pacific with the 6th Emergency Reserve Squadron and, among the many missions he was involved in, his crew rescued a fighter pilot who had been forced down in Japanese held territory, was one of the first to fly over Hiroshima after the atomic bomb had been dropped, as well as escorting the Japanese surrender team on its journey to the Missouri. After the war he graduated from Ole Miss, worked for various companies, including nineteen years at Neiman-Marcus, then with Carter Hawley Hale (Broadway Stores), and retired from Belk Store Services in 1992, after twelve years as the Vice-President of Internal Audit.

He thoroughly enjoyed woodworking, making Christmas gifts for family, friends, and his auditors at Belk, but was also an avid collector of stamps and coins. Later in life he became a fervent reader and one of his all-time favorite books was Curtis Hutson’s “Salvation Crystal Clear”. He said it answered every question he ever had about salvation, which was evidenced by the last words he would ever speak, “Yes, Lord”. His last two words will forever be a testimony of his relationship with our Lord.

Some of his favorite Bible scriptures were:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Have you not known? Have you not heard?

The LORD is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He does not faint or grow weary;

his understanding is unsearchable.

He gives power to the faint,

and to him who has no might he increases strength.

Even youths shall faint and be weary,

and young men shall fall exhausted;

but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings like eagles;

they shall run and not be weary;

they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:28-31

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so,

would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again

and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

John 14:1-3

He was a loving father and a friend to all in his Sunday School class at Carmel Baptist, as well as those at Elmcroft of Little Avenue where he lead the exercise program, competed at bingo, and enjoyed the various activities. All his life he encouraged and helped his family and his auditors to strive for advanced degrees and professional certifications. He always wanted everyone to strive to be the best. He is survived by his children Debra Baker (Allen), Joseph Wheeler, III (Teresa), and Robert Wheeler (Joy). He has seven grandchildren (Amie, Matthew, Kara, Rebecca, Lauren, Adam, Aaron), eight great grandchildren (Brynn, Collin, Jake, Brady, Brooke, Charlie, Lauren, Ethan), and many nieces and nephews.

His memorial service will be held at 3 pm on Sunday, December 28, 2014, in the Uptown Sanctuary at Carmel Baptist Church, 1145 Pineville-Matthews Road, Matthews. In the Spring of 2015, he will be inurned at the Salisbury National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to the Wounded Warrior Project at PO Box 75817, Topeka KS 66675.