Wheeler Ogle Wattenbarger ATHENS, Tennessee Obituary

Wheeler Ogle Wattenbarger

Rev. Wheeler Ogle Wattenbarger, 86, was born December 25,1934. He peacefully passed away at Starr Ridge Medical Center in Athens on June 20, 2021 with his daughter and son-in-law by his side. Ogle was a graduate of Niota Elementary, McMinn County High School, Tennessee Wesleyan College and received his Master of Divinity degree from Chandler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta. He served in the United States Army as a Chaplin’s Assistant. He married the love of his life on September 24,1961. He lovingly and faithfully served as Pastor in The United Methodist Church for 32 years serving many churches in the East Tennessee area. The final 19 years of his ministry, from June of 1981 until his retirement in July of 2000, he served Allen Memorial and Cedar Springs United Methodist Churches. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend. He loved his Lord and lived his life in service to God’s people. He was preceded in death by his parents, Grayson and Maggie Jane Buttram Wattenbarger, his brother the Rev. Warren Wattenbarger, Warren’s wife Mildred, and brother-in-law Fred C. Hicks. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Mary Louise McCulloch Wattenbarger of Athens; his daughter Tina Morgan and son-in-law, Paul of Riceville; his sister Hazel Hicks of Englewood; his niece Denise Roach and her husband Billy; nephew Mark Wattenbarger; great nephews Josh Roach, and Gray Wattenbarger; and great niece Leigh Hollingsworth and her husband John. Special thanks to the staff of Life Care Center and Dominion Senior Living Center of Athens for all their care, support, and love. The family will receive friends from 5-7pm on Wednesday, June 23, at Allen Memorial United Methodist Church. The Celebration of Life service will be at 10:30am, Thursday, June 24, at the church followed by a committal service at McMinn Memory Gardens with Ogle’s seminary and longtime friend Rev. Riley Huffstetler officiating. Pallbearers will be Jody Boggess, Bobby Farris, Wayne McCulloch, Quinn Satherlie, Tim Sharp, and Rick Skidmore. Honorary pallbearers will be ministers of all denominations In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to Trinity United Methodist Church at, PO Box 396, Athens, TN 37371, to be used for ministries that Ogle was passionate about, please mark check, “Wattenbarger Memorial”.
December 25, 1934 - June 20, 202112/25/193406/20/2021
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Barryansvitlana@att.net
July 20, 2021
He was a fine man. Sympathy to his family.
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Johnnie Hanks Benson
June 24, 2021
Prayers of comfort and peace for your family. God’s blessings!
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Frankie and Lisa Boyd
June 23, 2021
Ogle Wattenbarger was a great christian and minister of God's word. He will truly be missed here on earth, but we know that he has gone home to heaven and is waiting for us to join him. Ogle performed our wedding and was a true friend. To the family Lisa and I are sorry ... Continue Reading
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Helen Crowe
June 23, 2021
Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of your father. He was our pastor at Elizabeth Chapel and he and your mother were very special friends. Helen Crowe
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Lynn and Pat Moses & family
June 23, 2021
"Wheeler Wattenbarger" will remain in our hearts forever.
Arrive in Style

Arrive in Style was purchased for the family of Wheeler Ogle Wattenbarger.

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dm
June 22, 2021
Ogle was an example of Christ, his love and compassion for others. Ogle was a big influence for my ministry. Now Ogle has finished the race and claiming his prize. Well Done My Good and Faithful Servant. dm
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Linda Latham
June 22, 2021
Ogle defined the word "outreach". He ministered to three generations of my family and we will always be grateful. He was always there for us with prayers and words of encouragement. Ogle and Louise were a "team" and worked together for the good of their church and the... Continue Reading
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Tribute Store
June 22, 2021
Treasured Lilies Spray

Treasured Lilies Spray was purchased for the family of Wheeler Ogle Wattenbarger.

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Velma Sue Eaton
June 22, 2021
Prayers for each and everyone of you.Velma Sue Riggs Eaton
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Tracy Nunez (Sharp)
June 21, 2021
Ogle was the first preacher I have memories of at New Hope UMC. He relocated to Allen Memorial when I was about 11 years old and then 12 years later I followed him there when I moved to Athens. He is one of the most dear souls I have ever had the privilege to know. I ... Continue Reading