A father figure to many

George Rufus Wheeler Sr., 80, of Washington, died Sunday, October 20, 2013, in his home.

He was born April 19, 1933, in Washington, a son of John Rufus Wheeler and Yevette Drew Wheeler.

Mr. Wheeler worked as a coal miner for Consol Energy, where he was known as “Bubbles” by his fellow workers. For the past 20 years, he worked as the manager of Washington Christian Outreach.

Mr. Wheeler was a member of Nazareth Baptist Church, where he was a deacon and director of the men’s choir. He enjoyed bowling on Route 19 Senior League, as well as golfing.

A father figure to many, Mr. Wheeler coached youth sports when he was younger and was a basketball and football referee.

On June 12, 1954, he married Audrey Jean Glenn, who survives.

Also surviving are a son, George R. Wheeler Jr. (Kimberly) of Bridgeville; three daughters, Rhonda Matthews and Stephanie Patterson (Scott Gilbert), both of Washington, and Yvette Frazier (David) of Montgomery Village, Md.; three brothers, Harry “Fat Man” Drew of North Carolina, John Preston of Washington and Michael Drew of New Jersey; two sisters, Norma Jacobs of Washington and Lena Page of Florida; 16 grandchildren, David Frazier, Drew Frazier, Sasherae Frazier, Chase Patterson, Mariah Patterson, Megan Patterson, Charles Matthews II, Ashley Matthews, Audrey Matthews, Tonya Young, Jaquay Bone, Ryan Johnson, Bryan Johnson, Cassy Wheeler, Bobby Carington and Karlin Jenkins; and 34 great-grandchildren.

Deceased are three brothers, Samuel Wheeler, Walter Wheeler and a brother who died in infancy; and two sisters, Mary Jane McGee and Lee Ann Pinson.

Friends will be received from 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday in Nazareth Baptist Church, 123 North Lincoln Street, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 24, with Pastor Elizabeth DeWitt officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Washington Christian Outreach, 119 Highland Avenue, Washington, PA 15301. Additional information and guest book are available online at www.NealFuneralHome.com.