Daniel "Dan" Joseph Wheeler, 60, of Rocky Mount died peacefully Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at Duke Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born June 26, 1951 in McLeansboro, IL the son of Thomas Winfield Wheeler of Benton, IL and the late Eleanor Greer Wheeler.
Dan was a graduate of Johnston City High School, Johnston City, IL. He attended Southern Illinois University and was a graduate of Kentucky School of Mortuary Science. He began his funeral service career in North Carolina in 1983 as an apprentice at Gay-Yost Funeral Home in Rocky Mount. Two years later, he joined Johnson Funeral Home in Rocky Mount as a funeral director/embalmer where he continued to serve the families of the Nash and Edgecombe County area for eleven years.
Dan dedicated his life and career to serving others in their time of grief and bereavement. His compassion and desire to provide the families of Rocky Mount with a family-owned and operated funeral home led to the opening of Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home in 1999. Dan along with his brother-in-law and long-time friend, Mike Woodlief, joined together to become partners in business and service. Dan's commitment to his profession gained him the respect of families in the community, as well as that of his colleagues in the funeral industry.
Many will remember Dan for his quick wit and sense of humor. He was one of a kind. His antics left those who knew him with a smile on their face, laughter in their hearts and stories to tell of good times shared.
Left to cherish his memory in addition to his father are his wife, Donna Joyner Wheeler of the home; brothers, Tommy D and wife, Lynda Wheeler of Buckner, IL, Steven W. and wife, Elizabeth Wheeler of DuQuoin, IL, Wendell L. and wife, Kim Wheeler of Carbondale, IL, and Scott V. and wife, MaryMiller Wheeler of Rocky Mount, NC; father-in-law, Clarence L. Joyner of Rocky Mount, NC; sisters-in-law, Dianne J. and husband, Terry Hill of Charlotte, NC, Kay J. and husband, Dick Harward of Indian Trail, NC, and Janet J. and husband, J. Michael Woodlief of Rocky Mount, NC; brother-in-law, Jerry and wife, Gwen Joyner of Kittrell, NC; nephews, Thomas Jon (TJ) and wife, Deanna Wheeler of Tolono, IL, Neill and wife, Niki Wheeler of Raleigh, NC, Connor Wheeler of Carbondale, IL, Hylan Wheeler of Rocky Mount, NC, Chris and wife, Sonya Hill of Charlotte, NC, Ryan Hill of Charlotte, NC, Zachary Joyner of Chapel Hill, NC, and Benjamin and Joshua Woodlief of Rocky Mount, NC; nieces, Dhana Dee Wheeler of Christopher, IL, Brandis Wheeler of Raleigh, NC, Macie Wheeler of Carbondale, IL, Shelby Wheeler of DuQuoin, IL, Carrie and husband, Greg Astroth of Charlotte, NC, Erin Woodlief of Charlotte, NC, Lauren Joyner of Belmont, NC, Shauna and Mollie Joyner of Kittrell, NC, and Sarah Woodlief of Rocky Mount, NC; several great nieces and nephews.
Sincere appreciation is expressed to the Duke Hospital 7200 Cardiac ICU team for their exemplary compassion and care.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 pm Saturday, January 14, 2012 at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home and other times at the home. Funeral services will be held at 2 pm Sunday, January 15, 2012 in the chapel of Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home with the Rev. Keith Griffin and Dr. Chet Rains officiating. Burial will follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.
Flowers are welcome or to honor Dan's love for animals, memorial contributions may be made to Animal Crackers Rescue-Rocky Mount, P. O. Box 8860, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, www.animalcrackers-rmt.org
Condolences may be sent to the Wheeler family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, N. C. 27804.
Visitation
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Saturday 1/14, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Service
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Sunday 1/15, 2:00 pm
Cemetery
Rocky Mount Memorial Park
4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Scott and family, We are so sorry to hear about Dan. He was a friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Greg and Luanne Bradner
Lit a candle in memory of Daniel Joseph Wheeler
Lit a candle in memory of Daniel Joseph Wheeler
My thoughts and prayers are with the Wheeler family. Since I moved from NC a few years ago, I had not seen Dan in quite a while. But if my memory serves me correctly, no one enjoyed life and laughter as much as Dan. A great storyteller, I am sure he was a greater husband, brother, and uncle. Gary Joyner
He will always be known to his Illinois friends as Chico, a guy with with a vivid sense of humor that kept everyone entertained. Not only will he be missed for his character but also for his heart that was as big as his persona. God speed and rest in peace. Richard and Dot Woods
I met Dan the first time while he & Mike were constructing the funeral home. It was immediately like we were lifelong friends. Dan had such a friendly engaging personality & knew the funeral business inside out. May God bless Donna, Scott, & the entire family. J. Martin Gaither, Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.
Scott,so sorry to hear about Dan`s passing.He was always very nice to me.Denise and i have you and your family in our prayers. Randy Langley
Dan will be missed by many. He will always hold a special place in the Brown family. For the first time in quite a while Dan is not in pain and has no more worries, for that we are all thankful but still our hearts are heavy. Until we meet again my friend. Gary and Debbie Brown
Chico was welcomed into heaven by those who proceeded him and loved him. What a moment that must have been. He and Mike will have a great time. Danny Joe will be missed. Becky
I will miss Danny Joe the kind, loving person he was. I will miss Chico with such a sense of humor. I will miss his stories of him and Bowman!! Most of all I will miss my cousin. Susan Webb Mcleansboro, IL (CUBIE)
Janet, Mike and Family, please accept my hearfelt condolences in the passing of your brother-in-law, business partner and friend. I know his loss will be felt forever in your hearts. Sincerely, Leigh Gautreau
Everyone who ever had contact with Danny Joe, will surely remember him for his sense of humor. He always had a story to tell. He could convince you that he was being so serious, right up to the time he would laugh so hard because you were so naive. I will miss all the stories and jokes Chico shared. He was without a doubt, one of a kind. Not only was Danny my cousin, he was my friend. I’ll miss you buddy. Carolyn Sue Draper McLeansboro, Il.
Everyone who ever had contact with Danny Joe, will surely remember him for his sense of humor. He always had a story to tell. He could convince you that he was being so serious, right up to the time he would laugh so hard because you were so naive. I will miss all the stories and jokes Chico shared. He was without a doubt, one of a kind. Not only was Danny my cousin, he was my friend. I’ll miss you buddy. Carolyn Sue Draper McLeansboro, Il.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of my old friend and your dearest family member, Danny Joe! Chico came to Johnston City in 1967 to live with brother (coach) Tom to do sports and finish high school. Our adventures as close friends started then, and lasted until his move to NC. We went to school together, played together,shared our happiness and saddness of life together, and along with brother Steve worked at a lumber yard together. Both Chico and Steve were members of my wedding party. A local Doctor in So. Illinois had inscribed for me in his book of memoirs that I should record my life’s events and someday I could write my own book. I wish I had of! The chapters about Chico would be a best seller! What a fun character! My memories of Daniel Joseph Wheeler will always be about those care free fun days of our young lives! I pray that you keep your memories of him to the fullest, and through God’s Blessings, the hurts of today will ease and those memories will turn to tomorrows smiles and laughter! God Bless you all! Dan Wells, West Frankfort IL
SCOTT.I AM SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT DAN.MY THOUGHTS ARE PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.FAYE LANE
Scott, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mike Wall
Chico’s sense of humor was the best. He was a kind loving person.His sprit will live in CUBIE forever. Hell always be remember as a realCUBIE CAT I will miss him!!! From his best looking cousin in Cubie. Kathy Munsell Alexander
Dan was a man with an abundant heart who would give the shirt off his back for his family and friends. We will miss you and you shall be well rested in Heaven with God. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. -Matthew 58 with Love and Lasting Memory, Joe and Lan Shafer
Lit a candle in memory of Daniel Joseph Wheeler
You added humor, warmth and a smile to every room you entered. I am a better person because I knew you. I want to be a better person because in many ways I want to be like you. You made a difference in my life and the lives of many, many others! Heaven received a good one when you entered! Bryan Rowland
Mike, Scott and family I knew Dan when I worked in Rocky Mount many years ago. Marti and I extend our deepest sympathy to you and all of his family on his death. Pete and Marti Hoogendonk Florence SC
The first time that I ever met Dan he was actually posing as a Secret Shopper and he shopped me to ensure that I was doing my job. I remember thinking during my sales presentation that I hoped I would sell him a home because he was such a nice man….once the presentaion was over he told me who he was and we both laughed for like 10 minutes…..I told him that I was so sure that I was going to sell him a home that I was ready to write the contract….he of course cracked up and said not this time. Then we all went on a great trip to Cancun Mexico and Dan decided to go along with Sally and I on a snorkling adventure…..he was such a hoot and made us laugh all day. He will surely be missed but one day we will once again be entertained by his wit and charm when we all meet again. RIP dear Dan.
I was taken back when I read of Dan’s passing , My condolances go out to Dan’s family and friends. I recall Dan mostly as a young man who frequented my father’s service station. Always in good spirits nice kid to be around ,I don’t doubt he will be missed. Willie Wolf
Lynda and Dhana Dee, sorry to hear of your loss. You two and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, Luana Fudge , Thompsonville, Illinois
We are deeply saddened by Chico’s deathly. We extend our deepest sympathy to the Wheeler family. He was a very dear friend. Ronnie and Cathy Tolbert Johnston City,Il
To the Wheeler Family, We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Dan. He was such a great guy and so much fun. When we first met him at Clinton at Mom and Dad Wheeler’s, he had brought a remote-control boat to use in the pool and scuba gear. It was so much fun and so great to meet this guy we had heard so much about. What a neat sense of humor, but what a great heart in a family of such welcoming people. It is so obvious that he continued to take such good care of those around him. Thinking of you all as you deal with your loss. Tom and Sandy Vaughn
Oh, I am so distressed to learn this news…………what a sweetheart. I know he is at peace and enjoying time with Bobby (a wonderful dog). I will miss you, Dan……… Sandy Suggs
Scott and Family, Please accept my sympathy on Dan’s death. He was good man who cared about people. I first met Dan as a funeral director at Johnson and kept up with him through the founding of Wheeler & Woodlief. i will miss him. Brooks Cowles
Chico, You are lucky to be able to see you Mom and Aunt Phyliss. From your cousin Joe. Love you and see you someday!
Dear Wheeler family, I am so sorry for your loss of Chico. He was a good guy. I had not seen him since high school, but I always liked him. I am thinking of you and saying a prayer for your comfort. May we all meet in heaven! Eva Oliver Wahlfeldt
Sorry to hear of Chico’s passing have not seen him since high school but he was always nice and had a kind word. Karen Coulson Romans Starrick
I was saddened to hear the news of Dan’s passing. I am grateful to have known and worked with such a wonderful man. He will never be forgotten.
Lit a candle in memory of Daniel Joseph Wheeler
Joe, don’t know if you remember Me (Karen) from the family reunions. I am still stunned at the loss of Chico but we sure do have great memories. I hope all is well with you any your family.
A little piece of me is gone with Chico. With 40 years worth of stories I could tell I am actually left speechless. He was a friend, cohort and partner in crime. My life was richer for knowing him. He will live on in all our memories. So long old pal!