Benny Wheeler, 59, of 2969 Trinity Church Road, Canton Ga. passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, April 23, 2018, after waging a private and courageous fight against cancer. He was born September 6, 1958 at R.T. Jones Hospital in Canton, to Sara and Holland Wheeler.
Benny was a 1976 graduate of Cherokee High School. He married Carol Hyde on July 16, 1978. They had one son, Justin Ryan Wheeler.
From an early age, Benny proved himself an exceptional athlete … displaying an athletic prowess and dominance that was turning heads even as a young teenager, going on to excel in multiple sports during his four years at Cherokee High School. Along the way, he earned numerous awards and honors for his on-the-field achievements. More than one coach has noted over the years that he was the best athlete they ever coached.
Off the field, he was admired, looked up to by friends and family alike … and was a childhood hero to many — especially his cousins. To know him was to recognize the silent strength in the twinkle of his blue eyes and a laugh that was infectious. Benny graduated from Cherokee High School in 1976.
Following graduation, he attended Middle Georgia College before joining the family cattle business. His journey was diverse, touching and influencing many lives through his life’s work as a coach, cattleman, Sunday-School teacher, auctioneer, friend, mentor, husband and father. He was working with Cherokee County Water Authority at the time of his passing.
Family, friends, and others whose lives Benny touched are invited to Ingram Funeral Home, 210 Ingram Ave, Cumming, GA 30040 Tuesday, April 24th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm to reminisce, support each other and, of course, celebrate a wonderful man … and a life well lived. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 25th at 2:00 pm at Hightower Baptist Church, 3444 Hightower Road, Ball Ground, GA with Dr. Scott Gilbert, Rev. Gerral Richards and Rev.
Ronnie McCormick officiating. Remains will be placed in state at 1:00 pm at the Church. Interment will follow in Hightower Baptist Church Cemetery.
Benny is survived by his wife, Carol Hyde Wheeler; son, Justin Ryan Wheeler, parents, Holland and Sara Wheeler; mother in law, Ozell Hyde Parks (Jim); brother in law, Keith Hyde; sister in law and brother in law, Kendra and Dr. Scott Gilbert, nieces Ava, Emma and Alora Gilbert. Proceeding him in death, sister, Brenda Sara Wheeler (Baby) and father in law, Hoyt Hyde. Ingram Funeral Home in Cumming is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be made at www. ingramfuneralhome.com.
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