Ray J. Wheatley, age 87, formerly of East Prairie, died January 20, 2020, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center.

Born October 22, 1932, at East Prairie, to the late Roy E. Wheatley and Anna Byassee Wheatley, he was a retired U.S. Air Force Veteran of over 26 years. He recently returned to Southeast Missouri and made his home in Sikeston. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge.

On July 4, 1954, he married Jo Elizabeth Edwards, and she preceded him in death on January 5, 2006.

Surviving are his son, Wayne (Cindy) Wheatley of Sikeston; his sister, Mayetta "May" Gleason of Stephenville, TX; two grandchildren, five step grandchildren; one great grandchild; three step great grandchildren; also, four nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Amanda Jo Wheatley; his stepchildren, Robert Killian and Elizabeth Kay; his brothers and sisters, Emil "Bud" Wheatley; James Dismore, Otis Dismore, Lorena Dismore, Nonita Bradberry, Anita Wheatley Huskey and Lovita Gray.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour at noon, Saturday, February 8, 2020, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.

Interment with full military honors will follow at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery near Charleston.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.