Charles (Charlie) Bunting Wheless Jr. was born on May 4, 1943, in Nash County, NC, to Charles Bunting (CB) Wheless Sr. and Mary Spaight Wheless. On September 24 he passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, creativity, and a life well lived.
In 1971, Charlie married the love of his life, Jean McLamb Wheless, and together they celebrated 53 years of marriage this year. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jean, and her family: brother-in-law Edward W. McLamb, sister-in-law Carol Ann McLamb, nephews Jeffrey W. McLamb and Phillip W. McLamb, Phillip’s wife Amanda McLamb, and great-nieces Piper Elizabeth McLamb and Isla Mae McLamb.
Charlie was known for his gentle spirit and extraordinary artistic talent. He was a gifted artist, generously donating custom paintings for charity raffles across the Raleigh area, often capturing the cherished likenesses of beloved pets and children. His creativity extended beyond visual arts, as he was also a lover of music, playing various instruments throughout his life.
An avid outdoorsman, Charlie found great joy in hunting and camaraderie as a member of the Honkers Club in Hyde County, NC, where he made lasting memories duck hunting and sharing stories with friends. He adored the Crystal Coast of North Carolina, maintaining a second home for 30 years at 8 ½ Marina Village in Atlantic Beach. While at the coast he enjoyed boating and fishing.
A man of deep faith, Charlie was a devoted believer in Jesus Christ and an active member of Hayes Barton Baptist Church, where he nurtured his spiritual life and community bonds. He was especially passionate about their Music Scholarship Program for disadvantaged children. Charlie's generous heart was also reflected in his membership and dedication to the Kiwanis Club of Raleigh, where he contributed his time, resources, and artistic talents to support children in need.
He proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserves with the 17th Field Artillery Battalion for six years, including active duty at Fort Benning, GA, and Fort Sill, OK, where he worked with 8” guns until his honorable discharge. From 1962 to 1965, Charlie attended Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College), where he was a proud member of the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, making lifelong friends.
Professionally, Charlie enjoyed a successful career with an international company, working in sales, implementation, and service of production and manufacturing facilities—a role that took him around the globe many times. After retiring from this career, he founded Capital Shutter & Blinds, a business he ran with his wife Jean and business partner Scott Morris for 25 years, before retiring again in the spring of 2022.
Charlie’s warmth, compassion, and unwavering generosity touched the lives of all who knew him. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loyal friend, and caring community member whose presence will be deeply missed.
A memorial service to celebrate Charlie’s life will be held on Friday, October 11, at 2 p.m. at Hayes Barton Baptist Church in Raleigh. All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Hayes Barton Baptist Church School of Music Scholarship Program, which provides music education opportunities for children from less advantaged families. Donations can be made online at www.hbbc.org/give (select "SOM-Scholarship") or by mailing a check to Hayes Barton Baptist Church at 1800 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27608, with "SOM Scholarship" noted in the memo line.