John Michael Wheeler (Woody), 73, of Salem passed away on November 8, 2022.
He retired after 20 years of service with Mohawk Rubber/Yokahama Tire and was instrumental in forming the Local 1023 Union. Woody was a veteran of the United States Army. He loved playing with his grandchildren, being a Papa to his grandchildren, and had a love for racing including drag racing, late model stock car racing (was car owner) and NASCAR.
He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Wheeler; mother, Danie Lipes; infant brother, Lynwood Wheeler; sister, Martha Snuffer; father and mother in law, Ernest and Genevieve White; sister in law, Barbara Burnette; and brother in law, Jimmy White.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Brenda Wheeler. He is also survived by sons and daughter in law; Mike Wheeler and Rick Wheeler (Jessica); grandchildren, Max and Charleigh Wheeler and Addy Jake; best fur buddy, Trouble, all of Salem, VA; brothers, Curtis Wheeler of Dinwiddie, VA, Robert Wheeler of Keizer, OR, and Thomas Wheeler of Buchanan, VA; sisters and brothers in law, Shirley White and Linda Early (John) all of Salem, VA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem on Thursday, November 17, 2022 from 12:00 until 2:00 pm. A funeral service will follow in the chapel of Lotz Funeral Home at 2:00 pm with Rev. Gary Kingery officiating. Burial with military honors will be held in Sherwood Memorial Park. The family requests that everyone in attendance please wear masks.
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