Leslie E. Wheeler, 72, long-time resident of Murphy, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019, in Hemet, Calif., of heart failure.
Les and his wife, Sylvia, moved to California about two years ago to be close to family when he began to suffer health problems.
Born Oct. 3, 1947, in North Attleboro, Mass., he was a son of the late Leslie and Ursula Wheeler. He was the oldest of four children.
Leslie was educated in the North Attleboro education system in Massachusetts.
Leslie married Sylvia Gregory in 1985, and each had a child from previous marriages.
Leslie is survived by his three siblings; his wife, Sylvia; his daughter, Shannon; and two grandchildren.
Leslie enjoyed boating, fishing, NASCAR and watching his favorite sports teams, the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox.
He was a devoted husband, father and friend. He enjoyed spending time with his family and hosting pool parties with his North Carolina neighbors.