Obituary for Forrest Wheeler

Forrest Wheeler, age 89 of Hayesville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 4, 2023.

Forrest was born in Toccoa, Georgia to the late John Roy and Mae Acree Wheeler. He received his Masters in Administration from Western Carolina University in 1968 and his Ed.S. in Education Administration from the University of Georgia in 1975. Forrest served in public education in Georgia and North Carolina from 1958 until he retired in 1992. He was the Hayesville High School principal from 1988 to 1992. Forrest received several achievements during his career: Young Harris College - Enotah yearbook editor and Sigma Beta officer, LaGrange College - Circle K President, Toccoa High School - Star Teacher (1970), Rotary Club member in Kings Mountain NC and Toccoa GA, Kings Mountain Senior High School Yearbook Dedication in 1978 recipient, Carrollton High School in Carrollton GA was named a 1985-86 Georgia School of Excellence under his leadership as Principal. Forrest also served his country in the US National Guard.

Forrest served as President of the Clay County Lions Club, Chairman of Clay County Republican Party, Clay County Board of Elections and Clay County Board of Adjustments member, and also served his community by distributing Meals on Wheels on behalf of his church, First United Methodist Church, Hayesville NC.

In addition to his parents, Forrest is preceded in death by his daughter, Kathy Dobbins of Anderson, SC; and brother, Joel Wheeler of Toccoa, GA.

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Kaye Wheeler; grandson, Troy (Taylor) Dobbins and great granddaughter Caroline of Anderson, SC; his nieces and nephews, Stacey (Robert) Blake and great nieces Dare and Ellery Blake of Gastonia, NC; Tammy (Palace) Walker of Kings Mountain, NC; John (Paula) Wheeler of Toccoa, GA; Cynthia (Ernest) Harden of Chesapeake, VA; Rebecca (Dale) Wall of Toccoa, GA, Joseph Wheeler of Lawrenceville, GA, Tammy (Dave) Swidar of Lavonia, GA; and Patricia (Thomas) Jackson of Demorest, GA.

A private burial will be conducted at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made in his memory to:

First United Methodist Church 989 US-64 BUS Hayesville, NC 28904 or Hospice of North Carolina 75 Medical Park Lane, Suite C Murphy, NC 28906

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.


You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com