Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

December 7, 2021

John Franklin Wheatley, 65, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2021 with his wife and two sons by his side.

John was born on October 5, 1956 in Charlotte to Charles Haywood Wheatley and Mary Earle “Sis” Wheatley, who predeceased him. Survivors include his devoted wife of 40 years, Lynn Swisher Wheatley, and his two sons, Charles Haywood Wheatley III and wife Haley of San Francisco, CA, and John Tipton Wheatley of Charlotte. He also leaves behind his sisters, Lindsay Marshall (husband, Dr. Courtenay Beebe) of Keswick, VA and Charleston, SC, and Emily Pease (husband, Ed) of Williamsburg, VA. He was predeceased by his brothers-in-law Dr. Fray Marshall and Armand Tipton Swisher Jr.

After John graduated from Myers Park High School in 1974, he received a BS degree in Economics at Washington and Lee University and an MBA in Finance from Babcock School of Business at Wake Forest University. From there, he and Lynn moved to Denver, CO, where he worked in the oil industry for the Western Company of North America. Later, he transitioned into the banking and finance industry, working for First Interstate Bank in Denver and Phoenix, AZ.

John’s experience in banking and finance led him and his family back to Charlotte, where he first went to work for First Union Bank and other banking institutions before moving on to Bank of America. There, he worked in a variety of roles, from investment banking to management consulting and capital markets. Over the last 13 years, he worked in both the Charlotte and New York City offices and was a Senior Vice President within the Securities Operations group.

John had sound business judgment. During his tenure at Bank of America, he was regarded as a trusted leader who was responsible for leading large, complex transformation initiatives across global markets. His work led him to travel frequently to New York City and London. He thrived in finance, and he was known for his diligence and attention to detail.

However, if John could have had a different career, he would have chosen race-car driver. In the past ten years, he could be found behind the wheel on a race track, putting his Porsche GT3 and driving skills to the test.

As a 60^th birthday trip, he and Lynn traveled to Austria and Germany to do the Porsche Driving Experience on the autobahn. He was very proud when he hit 150mph on the Autobahn – a highlight of his life!

Above all, he was devoted to his sons. Both attended the University of Alabama, which led him to become an avid fan of Alabama football (“Roll Tide!”). He and Lynn attended games whenever they could, enjoying the company of Charlie and John and their many friends.

John also loved his dogs. In addition to Russell and Ace, his two big Labs who survive him and await his return, he owned several others over the years. There were always big comfortable dog beds in the house, plus numerous balls and toys. John was also not opposed to a cat, as a few chose to call his house their home.

John expressed his love of dogs by becoming a regular volunteer at Lucky Lab Rescue, and he found deep satisfaction in personally rescuing dogs from unfortunate circumstances.

It was not just dogs who experienced John’s warm heart, as he also enjoyed volunteering for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, helping children in medical crisis see dreams come true.

A memorial service for John will be held at 2 p.m.on Friday, December 17, 2021 at The Little Church on the Lane, 522 Moravian Ln, Charlotte, NC, 28207, with a celebration following, 3-7 p.m., at The Morehead Inn, 1122 E Morehead St, Charlotte, NC, 28204.

Gifts in John’s memory may be sent to Lucky Lab Rescue, P O Box 49663, Charlotte, NC, 28277 (Paypal: luckylabrescue@gmail.com).

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.