Wesley Allan Wheeler

Wesley Allan Wheeler was born on January 19, 1943, in Eden, New York. He spent the first five years of his life in Buffalo before moving to Florida with his parents and brother. He attended Wyomina Park Elementary through sixth grade, Ocala Junior High for grades seven through nine, and Ocala High School, graduating with the Class of 1961. Following graduation, he served in the United States Army for eight years.

Wesley built a life marked by hard work, entrepreneurship, and deep roots in the Ocala community. His early work included Tim’s Gulf, Swift Meat Packing, and an ice plant. He later attended Florida Technological University, now the University of Central Florida, and worked for Barnett Bank. In 1977, he purchased Mid-State Motors, a business he owned until selling it in 2011.

Wesley married Judy Pounds in 1961 and Rose Anne Jennings in 1967. In 1982, he married Cheryl Durham, and together they shared more than four decades. Retirement did not slow his desire to stay connected and serve others. He was involved with Kiwanis, the Elks, Interfaith, the Salvation Army, the Sheriff’s Advisory Board, Time for Freedom Ministries, the Quarterback Club, First Baptist Church outreach and greeting ministries, men’s fellowship gatherings, and a birthday card ministry. He also served as an organizer for the Ocala High School Class of 1961 reunions and class outreach. He enjoyed being included with the 1966 Breakfast Club and was always invited to the Class of 1962 reunions.

Wesley passed away on September 23, 2026, at 1:50 a.m. Above all, his greatest legacy is the family he loved and the many lives he touched through friendship, service, faith, and community. He will be remembered for his devotion to family, his strong work ethic, his generous spirit, and his willingness to help others.