He was born April 15, 1964, at Stonewall Jackson Hospital in Lexington, son of John E. “Butch” Wheeler and Betty Jo Lawhorne Wheeler.

Johnny graduated from Parry McCluer High School, class of 1982, where he played football, baseball and wrestling. He attended Dabney S. Lancaster Community College in Clifton Forge.

In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by brother-in-law Keith Moore.

Surviving are his wife of 37 years, Brenda Moore Wheeler; his son, Derrick Wheeler (Kotty); his stepson, Jeff Bartley (Kathy); grandsons, Hayden Bartley, Jacob Bartley, and Koda James Wheeler; and granddaughter, Clara Grace Wheeler. Johnny loved these grandchildren more than life itself. He is also survived by brother Chris Wheeler (Nicole); sister-in-law Ammie Todd Moore; nephews, Shane Wheeler (Courtney) and their family, Cameron Wheeler, Todd Moore; uncle Larry Lawhorne (Debby); and many cousins, aunts, and uncles.

The funeral was conducted Friday, Feb. 24, at Bolling, Grose & Lotts Funeral Chapel by the Rev. Howard Boswell Jr. and the Rev. Michael Hamilton. Burial followed at Rockbridge Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements were handled by Bolling, Grose, & Lotts Funeral Home and Cremation Services. N-G