of West Memphis, AR
December 21, 1951 - August 1, 2025
It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we remember and celebrate the life of Charles Edward Wheeless, 73, of West Memphis, Arkansas who fought bravely and stoically while also displaying remarkable courage through Lewy Body Dementia. He had a presence whose warmth, wisdom, and compassion touched countless lives. As we pause to reflect on a journey interwoven with laughter and love, we are reminded that a legacy is not forged solely in years but in the richness of shared moments, acts of kindness, and the indelible mark left upon all who were fortunate enough to cross his path.
Born on December 21, 1951, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Charles was known for his hard work ethic and lovable personality that began as a young boy by throwing papers as a paper boy and sacking groceries at Kroger. His work ethic continued into adulthood when he began working with his family's business, Service Amusement Company, where he was known by many as the Jukebox Man. He worked briefly at General Electric, where he excelled by creating a patent in the Halogen Department. He went on to open and run Wheeless Dry Cleaners where he lent his generosity to many members of the Crittenden County community. He served in the community he loved as City Councilman of Ward 3 in West Memphis, Arkansas until his passing. When he was not working, he had a tremendous love for music, especially the drums. He could be found in local establishments in his younger years playing the drums at the spur of a moment. Charles was always ready to entertain others. He was a faithful servant to the Lord and an active member of Avondale Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and taught an adult class.
Charles never met a stranger with his outgoing and genuine personality and always first to lend a hand to others. He always made sure to make others feel welcomed and could put a smile on your face, no matter what the situation. He was always full of jokes and laughter. Charles had an enormous amount of love and proudness for his two daughters, Stephanie and April, and his grandchildren, Joshua, Beckham, and Georgia, that words could never describe.
He is survived by his daughters, Stephanie (George) Uhlhorn and April Wheeless Leverton; his siblings, Allen D. "Woody" (Diane) Wheeless, Delores Wheeless, Doris McAllister; grandchildren, Joshua Leverton, Beckham Leverton, and Georgia Uhlhorn; his dear friend, Sharon Suiter Fuller, and his favorite running buddy Preston Fuller.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Marion Howard Wheeless and Mary Meleese Wheeless, his siblings Marion Howard Wheeless Jr. and Susan Wheeless McClain.
As we say goodbye, our grief is softened by gratitude and the privilege of having known, loved, and been loved in return. Though the ache of loss is profound, so too is the comfort found in his immense love of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior and with the memories that remain vivid and alive by stories told and retold, photographs and videos cherished, favorite songs replayed that will always keep his spirit present.
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26 Condolence(s)
BOBBY WARD
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Charles and I worshiped God together at Cornerstone Baptist Church several years ago and became good friends. He always had a great smile and was willing to help anyone in need. He loved the city and was a great servant of the people. He will be missed by all who knew him .
Brenda
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Such a beautiful write up about Charles it could not describe him any better, he was such a wonderful person to know.
Sheila Morris Alexander
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Sympathy and prayers for the family. I've known Charles for years. My stepdad worked at or-Matt Amusement in Memphis. I think I remember some jukebox or pinball machine buying and selling between them. Charles was a wonderful man who loved his Lord, his family, and the city in which he lived. His memory will live on because of the many positive impressions he left with all who either just met him or had known him for years. Rest in peace, Charles. You have been a good and faithful servant and I know your crown has many jewels in it. God bless your family as they navigate their respective lives without you in them.
Ernest & Martha Ecker
Monday, August 4, 2025
In loving Memory on a very dear Friend, RIP my Brother in Christ
Greg Masengale
Monday, August 4, 2025
Praying for the family he will be missed
Michelle Coulter
Monday, August 4, 2025
Praying for the family, Hugs and much love
Jacqueline McDonald
Monday, August 4, 2025
So sorry for your loss, our love ,thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love
Jacque & John McDonald
Delbert Pipkin
Monday, August 4, 2025
Woody and family
Sorry for your loss
Prayers for your days ahead
Joe Todd
Monday, August 4, 2025
RIP my long time friend. We shared lots of laughs . My prayers go out to the family. Charles was one of a kind.
Anita Graham
Monday, August 4, 2025
I worked with Charles and Woody when young at Arcade. Charles was always busy and fun with everyone. Prayers for family. He will be missed. A awesome man to know and work with.
Karen Patterson Razer
Monday, August 4, 2025
Praying for the Wheeless family during this time.
David Hite
Monday, August 4, 2025
RIP my friend I will be praying that LORD GOD ALMIGHTY will wrap his arms around your love ones and give them strength and comfort I know you are in the arms of the ALMIGHTY
Jason Johnston
Monday, August 4, 2025
Charles was one of a kind. He was always good to me. He loved to share his passion for the Lord and was glad to work beside of him in the service industry. He did have a Strong work ethic. Now you can rest, Charles. 2 Tim 4:7-8
Doris McAllister
Monday, August 4, 2025
Once upon a time there were 6 of us. It's with a broken heart to say "goodbye, God Bless" to another sibling.
God willing, I'll see him on the flip side when my days end.
Daniel Freudiger
Monday, August 4, 2025
I worked for charles at his dry cleaners back in 2015 and `16. He was always nice to me. I went to church with him at cornerstone Baptist in west memphis for several years. He certainly loved the lord and was a great business man.
Rachel French
Monday, August 4, 2025
I was so sad to hear Charles passed away. He was a good man & friend to many. I pray for peach & comfort to Charles' family in the difficult days ahead.
Donna D Palmer
Monday, August 4, 2025
Woody and family, my heart and prayers are with you.
KATHLEEN GATEWOOD
Monday, August 4, 2025
Charles you have been a long time friend. You will be missed dearly by so many people. Rest Easy I know your family in heaven is holding you tight. Prayers to the families ((HUGSBIG))
Doug Gatewood
Monday, August 4, 2025
Praying for the Wheeless family.
David Kitchens &Pam Kitchens
Monday, August 4, 2025
You will be missed &thought of often you were always a Dear friend
Terryhyslip
Monday, August 4, 2025
I got to know charles. In bars and holes in the wall placeed. Any were it was a junk box or a pool table. I work a cigarette vending machine co. Out marianna. He was not quite person. Believe me. He could talk like nobody else. So sorry to hear this about charles. So for loss Woody.
DeWayne Rose
Monday, August 4, 2025
Peace be with you Charles. Thank you for the years of friendship and conversation. You will be greatly missed.
Brenda Person
Monday, August 4, 2025
So sorry for your loss I loved Charles such a great guy. GOD bless th family , you will be in my prayers
Marilyn (Kirkpatrick) Lyden
Monday, August 4, 2025
Sending sympathy to all who knew and loved Charles. What a great guy!
Karen L Price
Monday, August 4, 2025
Charles was always smiling and ready to talk! Our friendship goes back to our teen years. Charlie sure thought a lot of him. It's so hard to lose those we love. Prayers for his family and all his friends. 🙏
Andy Luttrell
Monday, August 4, 2025
Prayers for Charles and the Wheeless family,
Andy Luttrell