Ronnie Wheeler

ANGIER - Ronnie Edward Wheeler went to be with the Lord on December 13, 2018 at Wake Medical Center. He was born on August 3, 1945 to Reddin Edward Wheeler and Ethel Jackson Wheeler of Harnett County. Ronnie was a life-long resident of Angier, NC, farming most of his life. After graduating from North Carolina State University in 1968 with a BS degree in Biological and Agricultural Engineering, he immediately returned to Angier where he utilized his skills to become an innovative tobacco farmer, obtaining over 60 patents for his various ideas. He and his good friend, Pete Green invented and manufactured the Green-Wheeler racking table that revolutionized tobacco production throughout the south. Ronnie was a true cowboy and always had a love for his horses, ponies and cows. He was known in Angier as the “Pony Man.” Nothing brought him more joy than watching children ride his ponies. He loved his family and was very proud of all his children and their accomplishments. He was known as Papa to his grandchildren and enjoyed sneaking them candy when their parents were not looking. Papa always had a stash of mini Snickers. Ronnie enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Most mornings he could be found at the Red Barn in Angier laughing and talking to his friends, or as he would say “telling lies and drinking coffee”. He loved traveling to the tobacco market in Wilson during the summer and making sure his farmers were treated fairly. He was a proud Master Mason of Angier Lodge No. 686. On December 7th of this year, he was awarded the Veteran’s Emblem in recognition of his 50 years as a Master Mason. Ronnie is survived by his wife of 29 years, Judy Adams Wheeler; four children, Whit Wheeler (April), Holly Wheeler, Amanda Duntz (Seth), and Reddin Wheeler (Megan); six grandchildren, Will (McKenzie), Chuck, Derius, Madelyn, Emilee and Addison; one great-grandchild, Grayson; sister, Judy Wheeler Adams; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 16th from 5 to 8 pm at Angier Baptist Church. Funeral service will be held on Monday at 2:00 pm at Angier Baptist Church with burial to follow in the Angier Cemetery.