John McDaniel Wheeler

Date of Birth: November 30, 1941
Date of Death: June 21, 2024

It is with sadness, but also with appreciation of his remarkable life and his continuing legacy, that we announce the passing of John McDaniel Wheeler on June 21, 2024, at the age of 82. He accomplished many things in his life: neighborhood preservation, excellence in teaching, and receiving awards in both areas. But it is his character that had, and still has, such an effect on people. When his friends and family are asked to describe him, they say: "He was the kindest person I ever knew, and also the smartest. He was a nurturer, a storyteller, an adventurer (he took cross-country train trips with friends), and one of the most unique persons I've ever met." His neighbors will add, "He saved my neighborhood; he inspired us to become a community. He made it possible." Those who knew him closely will say, "He had a special love for the poor, the powerless, the forsaken, the forgotten. He had no sense of rank or privilege. For him, all people were equal." And almost all will say: "He was my best friend." He had, and still has, many best friends.

John was born on November 30, 1941, in Camden, Arkansas. He spent his early years in Camden, attending Camden High School and later pursuing higher education at Hendrix College (Conway, AR), the University of Arkansas, and Tulane University, where he earned his PhD in History. His passion for history led him to a distinguished teaching career at Spartanburg High School and then at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas, where he inspired countless students with his knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject. His storytelling lectures were known to all; everyone wanted to take a "Wheeler" course. He once received a call from a parent saying, "Thank you for saving my son's life through your teaching."

In addition to his teaching was his life's work as a community nurturer. Having grown up on Greening Street in Camden, Arkansas, he saw the neighborhood decline as people moved to suburbs for the sake of "convenience." John was more interested in community and honoring the past than convenience. He gave much of his energy to coordinating a preservation effort of the neighborhood: Greening and Clifton Street. He helped turn the area into an official "historic district" and was awarded the Historic Preservation Recognition Award by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). This award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to historic preservation at the local level. John's contributions were celebrated for his significant volunteer efforts in preserving historical sites and materials.

John did not have formal hobbies, but he had many things he loved. He loved astronomy and the stars; they gave him a sense of mystery. He loved history—world history, European history, Arkansas history, and Camden history. He loved learning: he was a lifelong learner, a perpetual reader, who found everything interesting. He loved animals, especially dogs, including his dog, Willie. And he loved family, friends, and people. As one friend put it, "He made everyone feel unique." All of these loves were woven together into his own unique life, a gift that, in our memories, keeps on giving.

John is survived by his cousins Jay McDaniel (Kathy) and Linda Schulze (Tom), as well as his nephews and nieces, Jason Byrd McDaniel (Clara), Matthew McDaniel (Lisa), Suzanne Youngkin (Glenn), Beth Robison (Chase), and Cynda Wroten (Eric), and his half-sister, Rosa Wheeler McClintock and half-brother, George Wheeler. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Bragg McDaniel and George Albert Wheeler, and his uncle and aunt, John Byrd and Virginia McDaniel.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ouachita County Historical Society (926 Washington St., Camden, Arkansas, 71701) or the Ouachita County Animal Protection Society (@ County Judge Robert McAdoo, PO Box 644, Camden, Arkansas, 71711).

A memorial celebration and remembrance will be held on July 9 from 2-4 pm at The Events Center (old Fairview gym), 2740 Mt. Holly Road, Camden, Arkansas. Remarks will be made, and stories told, at 3 pm.