The family of Mr. Junior Wheeler, age 82, of Baxter, Tennessee, humbly invites friends and loved ones to join them in celebrating his life on Friday, January 24, 2025, at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Livingston Funeral Home. Bro. Dow Allen will officiate the service, and burial will follow in Ferrell Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and again on Friday from 10 a.m. until the service at the funeral home.

Junior Wheeler peacefully passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Born on June 21, 1942, in Gainesboro, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Clausie Pryor. A man of quiet faith, Junior was a lifelong Baptist who worked diligently in his sanitation business and was known for his outstanding mechanical abilities. If something needed fixing, Junior could usually find a way to make it work. He was humble in his skills and never sought recognition but always took great pride in helping others.

When not working, Junior cherished simple moments—especially sitting quietly by the bank, fishing, and enjoying the peace of nature.

Junior is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Jo Ann Madewell Wheeler; his daughters Mary Mayes and husband Timothy of Roberts, KY, and Michelle Eddmenson and partner Joe Maxwell of Baxter, TN; stepchildren Randy Mayberry and wife Jennifer of Sparta, TN, Anna Goodwin and husband Thomas of Gainesboro, TN, and Ronnie Mayberry of Cookeville, TN; 18 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Barbara Duncan and husband Eddie of Bloomington Springs, TN, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and his close friend, Charles Eddmenson.

Junior was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Cathline Townsend, and his stepson, BJ Mayberry.

Pallbearers to serve are Doug Rideout, Dennis Maxwell, Jame Lewis, Jr.  Dillion Mayberry, Austin Ellis, and Chris Keith.

Junior’s life was a testament to hard work, humility, and his devotion to his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. The family deeply appreciates your thoughts, prayers, and kindness during this time of loss.