James Howard Wheeler

James Howard Wheeler, age 92, received his Honorable Discharge early Monday morning, June 16, 2025, surrounded by family.
Howard was a resident of the Cruso Community, where he spent most of his life. He enjoyed fishing, working in wood, and his bacon-loaded breakfasts, but he devoted his life to his Lord, his beloved Birdell, his family, and his church. He was a pillar to the community, the Rock of his family, and a faithful leader of Grace Freewill Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon for over 50 years. He was a mentor to many, an encourager to all, and loved by everyone who knew him. He was a faithful prayer warrior and taught with wisdom and example. His life's goal, in his words, "I've decided to make a career of living for the Lord"!
Howard is preceded in death by his bride of 67 ½ years, Birdell Gorrell Wheeler, his parents, Reverend Thara and Vaughtie Wheeler, his sisters, Inice Smathers, Lillian Metcalf, and Vernell Shuford, his brothers, Roy and Gary Wheeler, and a granddaughter, Rachel Williams.
Surviving are his children, Rita Ann Shuford (David) of Fairview, David Wheeler (Bobbi Jo) of Grover, Kimberly Shuford (Anthony) of Marion and Dale Wheeler (Melanie) of Canton; his brothers, Gerald Wheeler (Oveda), Earl Wheeler (Patsy), Alvin Wheeler (Linda) all of Canton and Russell Wheeler (Rita) of Greenville, TN; fourteen grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; a multitude of nieces and nephews and special friends who were "family".
A special thank you to his long-term physician, Dr. Todd Hodges, and team at Hominy Valley Family Care Center, Four Seasons Hospice Team, and especially to his grandkids who so lovingly and faithfully devoted their time and efforts to his care.
Daddy, you did so good! God took you Home on your birthday, what an honor!
A funeral service to honor the life of Howard will be held at 2:00PM Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Beth Eden Baptist Church, 240 Hendrix Street in Waynesville, NC. Rev. Cameron Bolden, Rev. Dwayne Riddle, Rev. Jody Shuford, Rev. Dale Wheeler, and his son, David Wheeler, will be officiating. The family will be receiving friends from 5:00 until 8:00 PM at the church Friday evening, June 20. Burial will be in the Wheeler Family Cemetery in Cruso. The service will be livestreamed on the Facebook page for Beth Eden Baptist Church,
Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is deeply honored to be caring for the Wheeler family.