James "Waylon" Wheeler

After a life well lived on this side, James "Waylon" Wheeler is now waiting for us on the far side banks of Jordan, where no doubt many loved ones that proceeded him came running through the shallow waters reaching for his hand to welcome him to his new heavenly home. Waylon passed peacefully in his sleep on the morning of October 17, 2021, at the age of 80.  He was blessed to work at and enjoy the things he loved right up to the day before he left for glory.

With his quick wit and great sense of humor, one was always guaranteed a laugh when with him.  One of the greatest gifts he leaves his family is a legacy of laughter.  He was born and raised just off the downtown square in Cumming, the only son to the late Alton "Purty" and Beatrice Shadburn Wheeler.  After graduating from Forsyth County High School in 1959, he served his country in the Army and then married his high school sweet heart and the love of his life, Elaine, and started a family. He and Elaine, with kids in tow, lived a life of fun and adventure on weekend camping trips and many memorable family vacations.  The camping and travel adventures lasted well into their retirement years.  Waylon was also a fan of many sports, but especially the Atlanta Falcons or any sport in which he got to watch his kids or grandkids play or compete.  He spent almost 30 years with the William B. Reilly Company as a sales rep in the wholesale grocery industry, where he made lifelong friends and great memories.   He also had an immense love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his church and his church family, and felt blessed to teach the young adult Sunday School Class and worship God in song by singing specials with his good friends Mary and Rita.  Also proceeding him to paradise are his sister Bobbie Sue Wheeler, his mother-in-law Doris Graham Terry, and many cherished grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Waylon is survived by his wife of 56 years Elaine Graham Wheeler, his children Angie & Tim Hansard, Richard & Kristy (Bennett) Wheeler, his grandsons Jake Hansard, Chess Wheeler, Riley Wheeler, Dalton Hansard and Bentley Wheeler and his dog, Kipper. He had also enjoyed having Cole Milner and Cassie Sabio as a part of his family the past 3 years.  He loved his wife, children and grandchildren with all his heart and that love was reciprocated.  He will be so missed.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 20 at 11:00 a.m. at Beaver Ruin Baptist Church, 4230 Beaver Ruin Road, Cumming, GA 3004 with Reverend Roger Shadburn, Reverend Shad Faulkner, Reverend Michael Millwood, and Reverend Larry Vaughan officiating.  Interment will follow at Sawnee View Gardens, 1390 Dahlonega Hwy, Cumming, GA 30040. Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 8:30 on Tuesday, October 19th and from 9:00 until 10:30 on Wednesday, October 20th at McDonald & Sons Funeral Home, 150 Sawnee Dr, Cumming, GA 30040.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in James Waylon Wheeler’s name to Beaver Ruin Baptist Church, c/o Loyd Shadburn 2795 Spot Road, Cumming, GA 30040.

Scott Huskins Funeral & Cremation Services is in charge of the arrangements | 678.771.5566 | www.scotthuskins.com

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