Joseph White “Joe” Wheeless II, 87, died peacefully Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice Center, Wilmington. He was born June 2, 1932, to Zollie Hoke Wheeless and Claudia Nelms Wheeless in Rocky Mount.
Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Betty Batten Wheeless.
He is survived by his six children, Ann Wheeless of High Point, Joseph Wheeless III of Greensboro, Steve Wheeless, and his wife, Lucy, Jeff Wheeless and Sarah Wheeless, all of Wilmington, and Jon Wheeless of Whitakers; and eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Joe grew up in Rocky Mount; later, he and Betty raised their children there. He was an avid sportsman and coached his sons in flag football, leading their team to the city championship for a number of years. Joe enjoyed a long career in the restaurant and food service industry. He was an entrepreneur and innovator, opening the first New York style deli, Zolly’s, in Rocky Mount and being a managing partner of several top Golden Corral restaurants in the Southeast. He and Betty moved to Wilmington over 20 years ago to be closer to family, especially their grandchildren.
Joe was a provider and a compassionate giver. He enjoyed gatherings with family, friends and lots of delicious food, many times prepared by him. Brunswick stew, chicken salad, pimento cheese and banana pudding were a few of his specialties. There was always a cake on the cake stand and collards at Christmas!
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 17, at 1823 South Live Oak Parkway, Wilmington, the home of Steve and Lucy Wheeless. A graveside memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 18, at Oleander Gardens, Wilmington. Family and friends are invited for lunch following the service at the home of Steve and Lucy Wheeless.
The family gives special thanks to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Center for their compassionate care and requests that memorial donations be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, VA 28401.
Share online condolences with the family at Andrews Mortuary & Crematory.
