William Jessie Wheat

William Jessie Wheat, 84, of Chatom, passed away January 6, 2018 at his residence. He was born March 30, 1933 to Joe and Viola Burroughs Wheat. After serving four years in the U.S. Navy, he began his career in the construction industry but decided to enter law enforcement as the town marshal and chief of police for Chatom. He was a charter member of the Fraternal Order of Police and became chief deputy of the Washington County Sheriff’s department, serving under Henry Clay Locke and Judson Sullivan. He concluded his long career as the Washington County Sheriff, serving in that capacity for 32 years. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Jerome Wheat, Thomas Wheat, Delores Brown and Grace Glass. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Claudia Louise Wheat; children, Greg (Janice) Wheat of Jackson, Becky (Randy) Waddill, Misty (Mark) Davis, both of Chatom; grandchildren, Cristie McKenzie, Erica Adame, Natosha Davidson, Stephanie Davidson, Jessica Sullivan, Bruce Davis, Justin Davis; numerous great-grandchildren and one great, great-grandchild. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at Pine Level Baptist Church in Hobson with the Rev. Ron Butler, John Henry Armstrong and Steven Grimes officiating. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, January 8, 2018 at Lathan Funeral Home in Chatom and from 11 a.m. until the service on Tuesday at Pine Level Baptist Church. Interment will follow the service at Hobson Community Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mike Ready, Mike Barnett, Luke Singleton, Paul Jones, Idris Merida, Henry Ross and Kesler Weaver. Honorary pallbearers will be Vanessa Barnett, LC Howell, Gaylon Dees, Willie Dixon, Roy Franks, Don Lolley, Willard Moss, Aaron Carpenter, Steven Grimes and Charles Davis. Condolences may be offered at www.lathanfuneralhomechatom.com.