Jackie Arnold Wheeler

Jackie Arnold Wheeler, 86, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 in Columbia, Tennessee. A visitation will be on Monday February 24, 2025, from 10:30am – 12pm with service to follow at Heritage Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Lone Oak Cemetery in Lewisburg, Tennessee. 

Born on February 12, 1939 in Nashville, Tennessee, Jack was the son of the late Johnnie F. and Mildred M. (Spalding) Wheeler of the Maplewood area in Davidson County, Tennessee

As the oldest sibling, Jack was proud of his family heritage and was very protective of his five younger brothers. He excelled in academics at Goodlettsville High School and graduated in the class of 1956. Jack attended both Vanderbilt University and Belmont College where he played baseball and basketball, respectively. At Belmont, he met a lovely fellow student, Lettie Ross Green, who soon became his wife. Lettie preceded Jack in death in 2018. 

 In addition to his parents and wife, Jack was also preceded in death by his sons, Mark and Jeff Wheeler, his granddaughter, Megan Tietgens and two of his brothers, Ray and Fred Wheeler. He is survived by daughter, Delia (Jeff) Tietgens; grandson, Mark Tyler Tietgens and great granddaughter, Isabella Tietgens; brothers: Calvin (Becky), Ed (Laura), H.D. (Cathy) Wheeler; and sisters-in-law, Marie and Reginia Wheeler, in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

 As a young Christian at Ivy Memorial Baptist Church, he developed a love of singing and by the age of 16 was serving at several churches as a part time “song leader”. Singing continued to be a passion for Jack, especially singing gospel music with his five brothers. He and Lettie were active at Brentwood Baptist Church for many years, where Jack served in various capacities - adult Sunday School teacher, member of the adult choir and as deacon. In addition, Jack used his musical talent and the biblical knowledge gained from personal study and participating in countless bible studies to lead in Sunday services for the vendors at the Nashville Flea Market. 

 As a pharmaceutical and clinical representative, Jack spent the majority of his career using his natural gifting of relational sales. His career took the family to several states over the years as he pursued innovative businesses, projects and opportunities.

 Being competitive in nature, Jack enjoyed multiple sports, including basketball, golf, tennis, church softball and in his later years, pickleball. He and Lettie played doubles tennis and were formidable opponents with their left handed serves. Jack was an innovative and hard-working individual who wanted to excel in all aspects of life. He will be missed by those who knew his unique personality, but by his family most of all.

Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Sonshine Class Life Group. 

You may share condolences with the family at the Heritage Funeral Home website: www.TnFunerals.com