Wheeler Funeral Home and Crematory

Joan Elizabeth (Bonner) Simpson, of Covington, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was 85 years of age. Born in Mansfield, Georgia, to the late James and Lucille Bonner, Joan was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Darrell Simpson, and all of her siblings, Jean Wilson and James Bonner. Joan had a deep love for reading, engaging in her Bible studies, and bird watching. She found great joy in nature, particularly hummingbirds and flowers. A true animal lover, she especially adored her dogs, ducks and chickens. A devoted and caring nurse, Joan served as a registered nurse since the 1950s. Her kindness and compassion made her a favorite...

Samuel "Sam" Dean McCalvin, 76, of Conyers, passed away on Thursday morning, March 20, 2025, at Piedmont Rockdale Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Sam was the son of the late David Herbert McCalvin and was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Deborah Jones McCalvin. Sam lived a life full of adventure, hard work, and generosity. In his earlier years, he owned and operated a Dairy Queen, bringing joy to his community with sweet treats and warm smiles. Later, he became the proud owner and operator of Conyers Fence Company, where his dedication to craftsmanship and service shone brightly. Sam's career was as diverse as his passions, including roles as a fireman, EMT, industrial...

Dr. James "Jim" Bechler Sendelbach, Ed.D., LPC 85, of Conyers, Georgia, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, March 2, 2025. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Anthony and Estella (Heusler) Bechler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Anthony, Raymond (June), and Michael Bechler; his brother-in-law, Richard Sendelbach, Jr.; and his nieces, Carol Anne Graham and Krissy Bechler. Jim was a loving and devoted family man who will be deeply missed. His memory will forever be cherished by his wife of 41 years, Susan Sendelbach of Conyers; sister, Mary Moxley of Social Circle; brother-in-law, Andy (Kay) Sendelbach of Rabun Gap; sisters-in-law,...

Rebecca Elizabeth Brown Dodson-Kirby passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by loved ones on Monday, January 20, 2025, at the age of 91. She was born on December 9th, 1933, in Spartanburg, SC to the late Thomas Guy and Mamie Louise (Wilkins) Brown. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her 1st husband Edwin Allen Dodson, Sr., sons Edwin Allen Dodson, Jr. and James Van Dodson, 2n6d husband Earl Barry Kirby, Sr, brother Basil T. Brown and brothers-in-law, Daniel T. Marthers and Ted H. Bradberry. Becky was known for her gentle nature, calming spirit, ability to love unconditionally, and most notably her sweet smile. She earned a bachelor's degree in nursing from...

Ralph McDonald Dobbins, Jr., 94, of Rutledge, Georgia, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of December 28, 2024. He was born in Orlando, Florida, to the late Ralph and Mable Dobbins. Ralph was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beverly June Dobbins. Ralph proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1950 to 1956, where he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant and was attached to the Engineer Aviation Battalion. During his service, he trained to build airstrips, primarily in the Pacific theater. After his military service, Ralph devoted his life to the building industry, beginning his career as Assistant Manager at Patillo Lumber Co. He later worked with Joe Carroll...

Marcia Ann Long, age 83, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 17, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of the late Paul Raymond and Marcella Moffett Smith. Marcia was preceded in death by her loving husband of 44-years, Vernon L. Long. Born with a spirit for adventure, Marcia enjoyed traveling and created many cherished memories with her family. She was an avid tennis player and loved spending sunny afternoons on the court. A frequent visitor to Las Vegas, Marcia, found joy in the thrill of playing the penny slots. Later in life, Marcia became a passionate supporter of the Georgia Bulldogs and, in her earlier years, cheered for the Atlanta Braves. Above all,...

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Clemmie Jane (Sparks) Clackum, of Conyers, GA on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at Piedmont Newton Hospital. She was 87 years of age. Jane was born in Anniston, AL to Rev. Thomas J. and Devada (Grizzard) Sparks. She was a beloved member of Belmont Baptist Church and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Jane loved tropical fish, finding joy and peace in watching them and seeing their many different colors. She was also an avid vegetable gardener, nurturing plants, and sharing the bounty with friends and family. Her love for reading brought her countless hours of pleasure and knowledge. Fishing was another favorite pastime, and Jane could...

Rick Franklin Stubbs, Sr. of Covington, passed away Monday, January 1st, 2024, at Piedmont Newton Hospital. He was 72 years of age. Rick was born and raised in Covington, GA to the late Tharon and Sara (Biggers) Stubbs. He lived a life of service to others as evidenced by his career of 47 years in law enforcement. Rick was a police officer in various agencies including the City of Covington PD, Emory PD, Newton County Sheriff's Office, and City of Oxford, where he served as the Chief of Police. Rick enjoyed time spent outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and spending time at the beach. He was a devoted Daddy, Grandpaw, Granddaddy Rick, brother, uncle, and friend to many. He will be...

Edward Hinely, 68 of Covington, Ga. Passed away on December 15th at his home in Covington, Ga. He was born in Fort Worth, Texas to the late Richard and Ovella (Hand) Hinely while his dad was in Southwestern Seminary. He was reared up in the South Georgia area. Edward leaves behind to treasure his memories his wife of 23 years, Paula Hinely, two sons, Stephen Buckley and Michael Buckley, four grandsons, Bradley Buckley, Bennett Buckley, Brayden Buckley, and Brycson Buckley, two sisters Pam Albright (Robert), Annette Walker (David), and a brother Tommy Hinely (Deborah) and many nieces and nephews. Edward Hinely was a very loving dad and Papa. He was lovingly called "Papa Ed" by many. He was a...

Richard Edmond Dube, Sr., passed away Friday, November 3, 2023, at the age of 79 with his family surrounding him. He was born in Caribou, ME to the late Theodore and Lillian (Lovejoy) Dube. Richard is preceded in death by his wife, Augusta Elaine Dube; sons, Paul Dube, Mark Dube and Scott Dube; brothers, Harold, and Gerald; sisters, Rose, Anita, Teresa, Viola, and Stella. Richard was a loving husband, father, pop, son, brother, uncle, and great friend to so many. He was a member of New Rocky Creek Baptist Church in Monticello. Richard enjoyed hanging out with family and friends whether it was at a cookout or a family gathering. No matter where he was at you would find Richard making people...

Kirby Joe Weathersby, 81, of Covington, passed away Sunday, October 8, 2023, at Harbor Grace Hospice in Atlanta. He was born in Bainbridge, GA to the late Marcus and Louise (Cato) Weathersby. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sons, Steve Weathersby and Waymon Weathersby, brothers and sister-in-law, Wilson Weatherby, Butch and Linda Weathersby. Kirby's hobbies included hunting and fishing (he especially enjoyed going fishing in the Gulf). He loved large mouth fishing until he was introduced to speckled trout fishing by Gus Powell. Kirby told his son, Benny, "that he had found something more fun than large mouth fishing". And once Benny came home from being stationed...

Riley Lawrence (Larry) Patton of Conyers, Ga passed away Thursday September 21, 2023. Larry was born August 28, 1935, to Augusta (Gustie) and Riley Patton and was raised in Blue Ridge, Ga. In 1951 at the age of 16 Larry forged his mother's signature and enlisted in the Army. He served in Korea and Vietnam. Upon completion of his military service Larry moved to Atlanta and went to work for Marta, retiring from there in 1997. For almost 48 years Larry gave his heart and his time to the numerous charitable organizations supported by The Shriners. He was initiated and raised in the North DeKalb Lodge 714. In 1998 he moved to Stockbridge Lodge 691. He was affiliated with the York Rite, Scottish...

Obituary lovingly prepared by the family. Lillie Lorene Johnson DeLisle, age 96, passed away August 21, 2023. She was born on November 11, 1926 in Baker County, Georgia to the late Walter Malcom Johnson and the late Nancy Grimes Johnson. She was one of seven children, 4 brothers and 2 sisters. Lorene attended elementary school at Bethany and graduated from Albany High School and Freeman Business College in Albany, Georgia. She was employed as Assistant to Superior Court Judge Elsie L. Smith, Pataula Judicial Circuit, in Albany, Georgia. At the end of World War II, she was married on April 22, 1946 to Air Force Officer Roger E. DeLisle from Chicopee, Massachusetts, at St. Theresa...

Gene Austin Wallace, 93, of Mansfield, GA, passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. Gene was born on January 12, 1930 to the late Henry Franklin Wallace and Lillian Mize Wallace. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his beloved wife Margaret Adams Wallace, sisters Rachel Mitchell, Charlotte Wilson, and brothers Robert Wallace and Roger Wallace. He is survived by many nieces and nephews. Gene was a loving husband, brother, uncle and friend. A US Army Veteran, he retired from a job in Human Resources for the State of Georgia. He loved to garden and truly enjoyed sharing his knowledge of plants. Gene appreciated the written word and adored both reading and journaling. A pro at...

Robert Leslie Bishop passed away on March 30, 2023. He was born in Atlanta, GA to Bobby and Elsie Bishop. Leslie met Sandra at Prospect United Methodist Church in 1978, and were secretly married until they announced they were pregnant with their first born son, Robert Brandon Bishop. Just a few years later, their second son, Robert Bradley Bishop, was born. Leslie was a generous man, hard headed at times, but would give you the shirt off his back in a heartbeat. He was a talented woodworker, sharing his talents by building pieces for Haven Fellowship Church including bookshelves and the preacher's desk, and the Baptismal Font for Prospect Church. Leslie and his brother-in-law, Perry headed...

Don Stewart, of Conyers, passed away Sunday, January 15, 2023 at his home. He was 91 years of age. He was born in Phenix City, AL on June 3, 1931 to the late Anna Stacie (Williamson) and Daniel Fisher Stewart. Don was a devoted husband of 70 years, loving father, grandfather great grandfather, uncle and friend to many. He never met a stranger. Don was a member of Salem United Methodist Church where he loved to serve his church and the people there. He served as an usher and several capacities over the years. Don enjoyed watching Alabama football, watching all his children play ball as they grew up and he even coached them in softball. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death...

Dana Marie Anckersen, age 59, passed away on December 22, 2022, in St. Petersburg, FL after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born October 31, 1963, in Milwaukee, WI to James J. Anckersen and Elaine L. Bennett. She graduated from Newton County High School in 1982 and furthered her education at the University of Georgia where she earned her BA in Marketing. She had a long career in sales and marketing and was able to start her own business several years ago which she operated until recently. She was most passionate about her family and friends, her beloved dog Bella, and of course the UGA Bulldogs. She is survived by her father, James Anckersen (Bonnie); brothers,...

Patsy Nell (Taylor) Austin, of Stockbridge, passed away Wednesday, November 16, 2022, peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family. She was 80 years of age. Patsy was born in Rex, GA to the late Cecil and Eva Frances (Smith) Taylor. She was a devoted wife, mother, mama, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend to many. Patsy was a member of Community Church of Praise in Stockbridge. She loved to garden in both her vegetable and flower gardens. Patsy enjoyed collecting figurines, shopping and cooking. She loved her mini donkeys and raised numerous chickens. She is preceded in death by her parents Cecil and Eva Taylor; her husband Samuel Austin; and her brothers, Jerry Taylor and Rev. Kenneth...

Gloria Jean (Parker) Fuller, of Covington, passed away Thursday, November 10, 2022 at the age of 88. She was born to the late Milton C. and Mamie (Childs) Parker. She lived her entire life in Covington. Gloria was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and a pillar of strength to her family, friends and the Stewart Community where she was a member of Stewart Community Church for many years. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, and her furry babies. Gloria was loved by all, especially by her family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ervin F. Fuller, sons, Terry and Keith "Bue" Fuller, Sr., and her siblings, Virginia, Bernice, Thomas,...

Ronald Keith "Bue" Fuller, Sr., of Covington, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on his 67th birthday, Sunday, November 6, 2022 at his home. He was born in Covington, GA to Gloria Jean (Parker) Fuller and the late Ervin Franklin Fuller. Bue was the proprietor of Frank's Restaurant and Best Septic Tank Service for more than 40 years. He was a life-long member of Stewart Community until the day he died. His memory will forever be cherished by his wife Vivian Castellana Fuller; sons, Ronald Keith Fuller, Jr. and Patrick Castellana Fuller; as well as notable family members, Joanna Jones, Emanuele Castellana, Michael Castellana and Chris Castellana. He will also be remembered by...

Kathleen Capes Hooper passed away Friday, October 21, 2022. Kathleen was born on March 17, 1920 in Covington, Ga to the late Jeff and Mamie Capes. She was number seven of eleven children. Kathleen is preceded in death by her husband WL Hooper JR. whom she married in 1942 and her siblings; John Zack, JC, Oliver, Hulon, Sam, Emory, Maggie, Louise, Sara, and Peggy. As a child, Kathleen lived just down the Wehunt Road and then moved to Oak Hill Road. After she married WL, they moved to Porterdale where she was hired by Bibb Manufacturing to play basketball and work in the PayMaster office. Kathleen joined Bethany Presbyterian Church in 1943 where she assisted with the nursery, Bible School,...