Mr. Richard Caesar Wheatley

September 25, 1950 - April 20, 2013

Reflections of Life Richard Caesar Wheatley was born September 25, 1950, to proud parents, Robert and Savannah Wheatley of Vicksburg, Mississippi. During his young adult life, Richard was a pipe welder and fitter for Marathon LeTourneau Shipyard, Inc., in Vicksburg, Mississippi; for fifteen years, he worked on offshore oil rigs. After the closing of the shipyard, he attended and graduated from Coastal Truck Driving Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana. He drove cross-country for KLLM Trucking Company in Jackson, Mississippi until his health began to fail in May 1990. An avid sportsman and outdoor enthusiast, Richard loved hunting, fast cars, fast motorcycles, football, and baseball, though his true affection was for martial arts. Richard was a 3rd Degree Black Sash in Kung Fu. He taught Kung Fu for thirty-five years in Port Gibson and McComb, Mississippi and in Tallulah and Monroe, Louisiana. He trained more than thirty Black Belts and received numerous appreciation awards for his dedication to martial arts. In 1987, Richard appeared in an edition of “Inside Kung Fu” magazine after winning 1st place in black belt fighting competitions. Brother Richard received the Holy Ghost December 17, 1989, and was baptized in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ December 20, 1989. He was a faithful member of Christian Life Church for nearly twenty-four years where he served as Head Usher until his death. He leaves to cherish his memory: a loving and devoted wife of twenty-eight years, Ruthie; three sons: Kenneth Wheatley (Felicia), Richard Harrison (Lauren), Keith Jones, and one step-son, Floyd Smith (Deedie); one daughter: Jasmine Wheatley; siblings: Robbie Hebron (Elbert), Annie Bernice Harrison (Ricci), Mary Denise French (Rick), Reginald Wheatley (Carolyn); five grandchildren, one aunt and uncle, nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends. Richard was preceded in death by his grandparents, Caesar & Mary Edwards, Pearlie Davis & Jesse Moseley; parents, Robert & Savannah Wheatley; two sisters, Gladys Ellis & Ernestine Allen, and one brother, Herman Wheatley. Acknowledgement The family wishes to extend its sincere gratitude for all of the expressions of kindness shown during our time of bereavement. Your calls, cards, gifts of love, and other demonstrations of thoughtfulness are greatly appreciated. The family also wishes to convey their thanks to Brother Danny Chance and the Christian Life Church family and staff and Miller Funeral Home and staff.