Harold Wheatley

Harold Jesse Wheatley, at the age of 89, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2024, surrounded by loved ones in his home.

Born on October 6, 1934, to Orley and Elizabeth (Hornberger) Wheatley in Dog Branch, Arkansas, Harold grew up with his older siblings, Everett Wheatley and Florence (Wheatley) Shaffer in Alpena, Arkansas.  Joining the Army in 1957, he served for two years with the 217th Field Artillery Missile Battalion and then transferred to the Army reserves until 1965.  He married Lorene Douglas in 1960, and together they built a family and a home in Green Forest with four children, Debbie, Craig, Chandra and Brent.   After losing his beloved wife, Lorene, to cancer in 1992, he married Carolyn Garrison Patrick in 1994 and enjoyed living the next 29 years at her side.

Harold worked more than 60 years as a carpenter, managing his own company as he helped countless families in the community build or improve their homes.  Outside of work, he volunteered as a boy scout cub master for 5 years and devoted more than 30 years as the leader of the Royal Ranger boys program at the Green Forest First Assembly of God church, training young men in life and godliness.  Few things excited Harold as much as engaging with a young person, teaching them how to create, build or accomplish something new.    He loved to hear his children and grandchildren tell of their latest projects and would beam with pride at their success whether it be making a craft, painting a picture, building a barn or starting a business – he valued the creativity, initiative and hard work of the endeavor. 

Harold cherished the people in his life and never failed to come to the aid of family or friends in need even if his own time, resources and health were limited.  He was eager to make you laugh but willing to let you cry.  He loved in actions, leaving that legacy to his family. 

Harold will be missed by many but especially by his wife, Carolyn Wheatley; his son, Craig (Monique) Wheatley; daughter Chandra (John) Beene; son Brent (Marchane) Wheatley; stepdaughter, Toni (Dean) Welty; stepson John (Lesa) Patrick; stepdaughter Tammy (John) Wilson; 22 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. 

He was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Lorene Douglas, his parents, his brother Everett Wheatley and sister Florence Shaffer, and his daughter, Debbie Kennedy.

Celebration Of Life will be 11:00 AM, Thursday February 22,. 2024 at Green Forest First Assembly Of God Church with Pastor Mark Bryant officiating. Interment will follow at Pickins Cemetery. Visitation for Harold will be 6-8 PM on Wednesday February 21, 2024, at Smith Family Funeral Home in Green Forest. Military honors will be presented by American Legion Post #9 Honor Guard and U.S. Army Fort Sill Honor Guard.

Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhome.net. 

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