September 10, 2022, 76, Mount Olive –

Clifton Ray Wheeler, 76, resident of the Oak Ridge community near Mount Olive, passed away Saturday night, September 10, 2022, at home.

Clip, as he was known to some, began his working career with Kemp Furniture, followed by National Spinning, and Guilford Mills.  Lastly, he was employed with Crouse-Hinds.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Audrey Jones Wheeler, a son and daughter-in-law, Tony Ray and Emily Wheeler of Mitchell, Indiana; a daughter and son-in-law, Sharon W. and Michael Weaver of Mount Olive; four grandchildren, Lt. Sam Westfall and wife, Laura, serving in Germany with the U.S. Army, Aiden Ray Wheeler of Mitchell, Indiana, Olivia Allen and significant other, Michael Gracyk of Mount Olive, and Connor Johnson of Mount Olive; a great-granddaughter, Scarlett Westfall of Germany; a sister, Harriet “Pee Wee” Wheeler of Mount Olive; a brother, Leroy Wheeler of Mount Olive; several nieces and nephews, and his in-laws from the Jones family.

He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Chris Johnson; his parents, Bernice and Lela H. Wheeler; brothers, Paul Arnette, Joe Arnette, James Edward Wheeler, Levy Earl Wheeler, and Bernice Wheeler, Jr.; and a sister, Hazel W. Taylor.

Graveside rites will be held Friday, September 16, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pate Cemetery. Officiating will be the Rev. Kelvin Coates.  The family will greet friends at the cemetery after the service, and at other times at the home of Olivia Allen, which is next door to Clifton and Audrey’s.