John Robert Wheatley Jr.

 John Robert Wheatley, Jr., 84, of Concord, North Carolina, passed away on April 10, 2026, at Liberty Lane Hospice House in Salisbury, North Carolina.

 John was born on September 28, 1941, in Lebanon, Kentucky, to John Robert and Mary Ida (Mattingly) Wheatley.

 He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1960 to 1964.

 In November 1970, John met the love of his life, Nancy Stinnett, at the Gateway in Muddy, Illinois. They were united in marriage on April 3, 1971, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Harrisburg, Illinois.

 John was employed by AMAX Coal Company for many years before relocating with Nancy to Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1995. He later worked for Speedway Motorsports until his retirement in 2013.

 John had a passion for restoring classic cars, enjoyed dancing, and treasured his coffee time with friends. He never met a stranger and was loved by all who knew him.

 He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy; his parents; and his siblings, Donald Wheatley, Margaret Mary Newton, Jane Smith, and Rita Ann Lamkin.

 Left to cherish his memory are his loving daughters, Alyssa Jo and Erin Leigh; his siblings, Butch Henry Wheatley, Barbara McClain, Sara Tabor-Walker, and Steve Wheatley; his sister-in-law, Cindy Ford; his brother-in-law, Butch Smith; special family friend, Carol Rasmussen; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

 A Celebration of Life will be held in North Carolina at a later date. A private graveside service will take place at Sunset Lawn Cemetery in Harrisburg, Illinois, where John’s cremains will be interred. Details will be announced as they become available.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hidden Heroes Campaign - The Elizabeth Dole Foundation.

 The family is being served by Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord, North Carolina, and J.M. Weirauch Funeral Home of Harrisburg, Illinois.