Fred David Wheeler, Jr.
Fred David Wheeler, Jr. was born on August 18, 1949, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to the late Fred D. Wheeler Sr. and Ola Mae Wheeler. He was the fourth and youngest child born to this union. He departed this life on Thursday, May 9, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Raised in the Alton Park community, Fred attended Chattanooga Public schools. He was a member of the 1967 class of Howard High School. Following high school, he attended Zion College and Chattanooga State Community College. Growing up as children, Fred and his siblings were surrounded by love and nurturing. Early in his life, he developed a unique bond with his grandmother, “Mama Katie”, who also played the piano, and from that, he developed a love for music.
He was reared and spent countless hours in the New Bethel FBH Church, where he first established his love for Christ. As teenage boys, Fred and his lifelong friend, Lee Dawson had a gift for singing that was recognized by Mother Walker, a mother in their church. She shared her observation with another member of the church, Reverend Samuel Moorer, who began to foster their musical gifts and talents. It was through his mentorship and guidance, that The Lighthouse Gospel Singers, was born in 1964.
The quartet traveled and performed nearly every weekend across the Southeast region, released a total of nine albums, and touched a multitude of souls for over 38 years. As a member of the Lighthouse, Fred was the lead guitarist, a vocalist, and assisted in the arrangement of songs and the producing of albums. Fred shared his love for gospel music throughout Chattanooga and the surrounding areas. In fact, it was through gospel music that he would meet the love of his life, Debra Bennett, who sang for the Bread of Life Ensemble.
He will be remembered for sharing his talents with a number of music ministries in the city including Temple of Faith C.O.G.I.C, Macedonia Baptist Church, Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, and Greater St John Baptist Church. He was a lead guitarist, bass guitarist, pianist, and singer. He unselfishly shared his gift of musicianship with many other musicians, teaching them how to expound their own musical gifts.
Fred was also a lifelong learner. He loved gadgets and electronics and aimed to stay on the cutting edge with the latest technology. He was intrigued and especially skilled with computers far ahead of his time without any formal training or education. His other hobbies included swimming and shooting pool. He loved mathematics and volunteered in math tutoring within the schools his children attended. Fred was employed by the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA). During his tenure at CARTA, he was a recipient for the Martin Langley Lifetime (30 years) Service Award in 2001, Driver of the Year Award in 2006, and was inducted into the Million Mile Club. He was a dedicated driver in the local community and retired in 2014 after 43 years of loyal service.
Fred was preceded in death by his father, Fred D. (Callie) Wheeler, Sr.; mother-in-law, Ernestine Hartsfield Bennett; grandparents, Sam Wheeler, Katie Harris, John “Papa John” Harris, and Audrey (Walter) McClure; sister, Marion “Tuttie” Wheeler; brother-in-law, Howard “Ed” Ringer Sr.; and bandmates, Rev. Samuel Moorer and Lee Dawson.
Fred leaves to cherish his memories, his beloved mother, Ola Mae Wheeler; loving and devoted wife of over 46 years, Debra Wheeler; daughter, Dana Wheeler; son, Fred “David” (Keisha) Wheeler III; daughter, Deondra (Brent) Holston; six grandchildren, Davian, Keon, Donathan, Kyla, and Khloe Wheeler, and Brayden Holston; one goddaughter, Sheanda Bridgeman; one brother, Leonard (Cynthia) Wheeler of Abilene, Tx.; one sister, Olivia Ringer; one brother-in-law, Gaylon (Juanyale) Bennett; one uncle, Walter “Chip” (Linda) McClure of DeSota, Tx.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Public viewing will be held from 2-6 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, at the funeral home.
A noon funeral service will be held on Friday, May 17, at New Holy Temple Cathedral COGIC, located at 2311 Bliss Ave., Chattanooga, Tn.
Interment will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, at Beautiful Greenwood Cemetery.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, Tn., 423 622-9995.