Elijah Wheeler, son of the late Joe Dean Wheeler and Mercy Dee Moore Wheeler, was born March 8, 1945, in Baconton, Georgia.

At a very young age, he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior.  Elijah was a faithful servant of the Lord and a dedicated member of New Salem Baptist Church.  He remained constant in his Christian walk throughout life's journey.

He received his formal education in the Mitchell County School System, including Camilla Consolidated High School.  Throughout his school years, he was actively involved in numerous organizations, activities, and sporting events.  After graduation, he relocated to Daytona Beach, Florida and later made Paulsboro, New Jersey his home.  Through the years, he developed and cultivated masonry and general contracting skills that prepared him for his life-long career in the construction industry.   He was a highly sought after master builder whose distinctive style in stucco architecture was very unique and recognizable.   In later years, he returned to Southwest Georgia, Baconton and Albany, where he resided until his demise.

Elijah was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, extraordinary brother and uncle, and committed cousin and friend.  He had a spirit of sunshine that could be felt by all who encountered him.  Elijah  was a selfless, generous man who enjoyed being active; enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends—especially his grandchildren; and enjoyed helping others.  He was a good role model not only for his children and grandchildren, but for many aspiring young men that he met during his career.  In his leisure, he enjoyed traveling, bowling, and playing cards.  His fraternal and professional affiliations included  Free & Accepted Masons and the Plasterers Union of New Jersey.

On June 24, 2020, Elijah departed this life at the Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Charleen Wheeler; two daughters, Melissa wheeler; and Terry Thomas; and four siblings, Myrtle McIntyre, Harris Wheeler, Alfonzo Wheeler, Sr., and Ronald Wheeler.

Fond memories will forever be cherished by his children, Elijah Bernard (Delisa) Wheeler of Detroit, MI, Michelle (Mark) Labrid of Albany, GA, Antione (Cynthia) Devine, of Indianapolis, IN, Estelle Sanders of Pine Hill, NJ, and Maxine Devine of Atlanta, GA; siblings, Betty Wheeler and Sonny Wheeler both of Baconton, GA, Ciscero (Linda) Wheeler of Moultrie, GA, and Johnny C. (Bernice) Wheeler of Florida; brothers-in-law, Chester (Mary) Sander and Max Sanders both of New Jersey; grandchildren, Michell (Dontavious) Barber, Charlene Johnson, Keyahna Sanders, Eli Wheeler, Dai'jah Wheeler, Paris Thompson, Cherise Gordon, Deondre Wheeler, Hassaun Hardwick, and Jeffrey Johnson; eighteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.