Mr. Gene Wheless
Mr. Johnnie Eugene Wheless, known to family and friends as "Gene", of Grannis, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord on Monday, May 29, 2023, in De Queen. He was 91.

Gene was born the oldest of five children to John Harvel and Jewel Bell Wheless on August 25, 1931, in Sherman, Texas. He was a 1949 graduate of Sherman High School and went on to attend the Gainesville Junior College, and others in Japan. Gene faithfully served with the United States Air Force, serving in security. He spent time in Japan and Korea, and often spoke of traveling to more than thirty different countries during his time in the service. Following his time in the service, Gene worked in different capacities including time as a Mechanical Engineer for NASA and Collins Radio, more than thirty years as a home builder in Plano, Texas, he built four projects for the Baptist Convention in Texas, and worked ten years as a motorcycle police officer in Plano. Gene married the love of his life, Becky Sue Watson, on March 10, 1994. Together they have shared more than thirty loving years. He was a strong Southern Baptist and was a member of the Wickes First Baptist Church. He enjoyed going to Lake Texoma with his family, boating, fishing, and camping. Gene thoroughly enjoyed riding his motorcycles with Becky. They have traveled and camped in all fifty states of the United States on a motorcycle. He best spent his time with his loving family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Glen Wheless and Bud Wheless.

Gene leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Becky Wheless of Grannis; their children and spouses, Monica and David Allison, Mikelle and F. Jeff Amadon, Monique and John Cardwell, Paul and Heather Wheless, Rhonda Crawford, and Bill Crawford; fourteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren; one sister and brother-in-law, Marlene and James Taul of Denison, Texas; one brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Barbara Wheless of Richmond, Virginia; as well as nieces, nephews, relatives, and a host of friends.

The family of Mr. Gene Wheless will hold a memorial service at Lake Texoma later this summer. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Chandler Funeral Home of De Queen. You may leave a condolence online at www.chandlerfuneral.com.