Alfred Earl Wheless

July 13, 1936 ~ April 12, 2018
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Alfred Earl Wheless, 81, passed away on Thursday, April 12, 2018, in Asheville, NC, where he and his family had made their home for a number of years.
He was the son of Alfred Lee Daniels Wheless and Mary Kathryn Hinnant Wheless of Spring Hope, NC. He was married to Carole H. Wheless, and they had three children: Kelly Ridenour (Craig), Kristy, and Earl Wheless Jr (Pam). His two sisters are Priscilla Kathryn Sykes (Jay, deceased) and Trudy Joyce Martin (Jim). His one nephew was John Sykes, III, of Baton Rouge, LA. He had eight grandchildren, Lyndsay (Troy), Toni, Warren, Carli (Kevin), Justin, Krysten, Lexi (Josh), Earl, III, and seven great-grandchildren.
Earl graduated from Spring Hope High School in 1954 after which he began his career with Carolina Telephone & Telegraph Co in Tarboro NC, before entering the U.S. Army in 1957. While in the Army he served in Telecommunications and completed a tour of duty in Asmara, Eritrea in Africa.
After serving in the U.S. Army, Earl returned to work at Carolina Telephone & Telegraph Co in Tarboro. Later he transferred as an I/R Technician to Henderson, NC, and later transferred to United Telephone of Florida where he remained until he retired in 1991.
He and his wife, Carole, moved to Asheville after retirement. Earl never met a stranger, he made everyone feel welcome in their home and the dinner table. His wife was his anchor and his children were his treasures. Earl was known for his generosity and caring nature and he was a friend and example to all who met him.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, April 27, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, 962 Old US Hwy 70 W, Black Mountain NC 28711.
Following the service, the family will proceed to the Riceville Valley Community Church, 2342 Riceville Road.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions in Alfred Earl Wheless' name may be sent to Riceville Valley Community Church, 2342 Riceville Rd, Asheville, NC 28805.
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.
What a wonderful, wonderful man! So many fond memories…and they all involve laughter. Sending many hugs and a ton of love to his big and beautiful family.
To the Wheless family. I worked with Earl while he was in Ft. Myers, Fl. I always enjoyed working with him and I know all that knew him in the Ft. Myers area thought of him the same way. He was a great supervisor and friend.
He truly was a second father figure in my life growing up. Aways there for me to take me and my bike home. He will always hold a special place in my heart.
So blessed to had the opportunity to know Earl through my daughter-in-law, Lyndsay DiNicola and Troy. He was such a kind hearted man.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.
Jim Nethery
We only met him one time, but our connection is eternal. His granddaughter Lyndsay is our niece-in-law and she reflects the joy of the Lord. We are thankful for faith,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear loved one, Alfred. At times like this I find comfort in knowing that Jehovah, the God of comfort and the Hearer of prayer, gives you the strength you need during this difficult time (Nahum 1:7, Psalms 83:18).
My prayers are with you.
With deepest sympathy. Johnny & Barbara N. Riggan
Thoughts and prayers to the Wheless family.
So sorry to hear the news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Kristy.
I was saddened to hear that your father passed away. My thoughts are with you and your family. Please let me know if there is anything at all you would like assistance with.
My heartfelt prayer goes out to the Wheless family at this time.
Earl, sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I enjoyed the time I worked with Earl Sr.
Dear Kristy and the entire Wheless Family,
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Kristy, Carole and all of the Wheless family, our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time. Earl was a cool guy and I always enjoyed talking and sharing with him when he came to the airshows or just visited us at AOC. He was always interested in the aircraft and what was going on. Wish I could attach the picture we took this past Sunday with the hangar loaded with 37 aircraft. He would have really enjoyed last week. Let the good Lord take you all in His arms and give you comfort for the pain. It will subside and the good memories of Earl will be with you always. God loves you and so do we.
My sincere condolences to you and your family ! Your dad was a kind and wonderful Christian man, and i’m glad to have known him. Heaven has gained an Angel and may his soul now Rest In Peace. Cherish the beautiful memories.
We all love you my family.
Earl was a great and understanding man, I’m proud to have known him.