Johnny William Wheeles

Revered Wheeles, retired pastor of Woodlawn Baptist Church, died and went to be with Jesus Wednesday morning August 1, 2018, at 10:27 am. His last words before leaving this world were "I'm running fast."

Reverend Wheeles was a dedicated minister who led two churches in building programs: Richland Baptist Church, Asheboro, NC; Hillside Park Baptist, Thomasville, NC. He was the pastor of Gospel Chapel Baptist Church, Asheboro, NC; Hughes Grove Baptist Church, Thomasville, NC; Richland Baptist Church, Asheboro, NC, Hillside Park Baptist Church, Thomasville, NC; Woodlawn Baptist, High Point, NC.

Reverend Wheeles was a pastor, counselor, a mentor, a motivator and a God-called minister who led an untold number of people to Jesus Christ. He was a model servant of the Lord, and always put God first in his life and ministry. When he was approached by his church members about issues in their life, his answer was prayer. He believed in the power of prayer, and often could be found in the church on his knees praying for the needs of the church and for the people. He faithfully served an Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent God. His faith and love of the Lord carried him through the trials of life and throughout his ministry of 45+ years.

Reverend Wheeles was born in Union Point, Georgia, December 14, 1931. His parents, Singleton Siccero Wheeles, and Emma Norris Wheeles were active members of First Baptist Church of Union Point Georgia. Their involvement in church activities taught Reverend Wheeles at a young age the importance of serving Almighty God.

Reverend Wheeles had a Bachelor of Theology degree from Clarksville Seminary in Clarksville Tennessee. He attended Guilford College, Greensboro, NC.

Reverend Wheeles is survived by his wife, Viola Wheeles; and two children, John W. Wheeles II, Katherine Wheeles Chatham, and a sister Virginia Caulk of Trinity, NC. He had four grandchildren, Aubrey Chatham Smith, Ross Alexander Chatham, and Kelly Wheeles Parker, Bryan Scott Wheeles; and six great grandchildren, Braxton Parker, Dillon Parker, Brock Parker, Preston Wheeles, McKenzie Wheeles, and Caden Parker. He is preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret Daniel, Thelma Noah; and one brother, Albert S. Wheeles.

Reverend John Wheeles left a God-given legacy. He practiced spiritual principals, and a desire to serve and commit his life to the Lord Jesus Christ. The testimony of his life inspired others to give their life to the Lord, and the Rock (Jesus Christ) upon which he built his life was a light that could not be extinguished. He will be remembered by countless numbers of people due to his insatiable desire to follow in the footsteps of the Lord, and his unwavering support of his church members in times of difficulty, death and illness. He was a called, appointed and anointed minister who gave his life in the service of God.

A memorial service will be held August 11, 2018, at 11 am at Woodlawn Baptist Church, High Point, NC. Reverend Josh Gentle will be presiding over the funeral and Reverend Roger Porter, a close friend will speak at the service. Jan Wheeles will play for the service, and Joann Bowman, Janie Ellis, Linda Carter will provide the music.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hinkle House/Hospice of Davidson County NC, 200 Hospice Way, Lexington, NC 27295; or Woodlawn Baptist Church, 3201 North Main Street, High Point, NC.

Sechrest Funeral Service of High Point is honored to serve the Wheeles family. Online condolences may be made at www.SechrestFunerals.com.