Johnny Wheat

Johnny Ray Wheat, (71), passed from this Earth to Heaven on Wednesday, December 21, 2022.

A native of Picayune and current resident of Long Beach, Johnny was known to all as a kind and generous soul who loved fishing, Saints and LSU football, his little dog, Elliott, and most of all, his family.  Born in 1951 to Rev. Walton E. Wheat and Murel Miller Wheat, Johnny grew up in Picayune, MS, where he would meet and marry the love of his life, Donna Lynn, and have one daughter, Kristy.  He worked tirelessly for his family for 50 years in the grocery management sector and enjoyed retirement by spending as much time as he could with his granddaughter, Presley, traveling to Disney World and any other place Kristy and Presley wanted to visit, and watching all the sports.

Over the years, Johnny earned many awards, promotions, and distinctions for his work, but his greatest achievement was in how well he loved and cared for his family through acts of service, quality time, and words of encouragement.  He was a risk-taker and followed his dreams - even when they took time to accomplish - for instance, earning his associates degree in his 60’s.  He was known for his sense of humor, which often included pranks, and his self-taught home- cooking was enjoyed by many.  He enjoyed experimenting with recipes, googling anything and everything, and making sure his girls, Kristy and Presley, were happy and well.

Johnny is survived by his daughter, Kristy, and his granddaughter, Presley, who will miss him every single day.  In addition, he is survived by his siblings: Linda (Dossie) Barber, James (Joanie) Wheat, Alvin Wheat, Alice Lee, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Donna Lynn Walker Wheat, and his parents Rev. Walton E. Wheat and Murel Miller Wheat.

On December 21, 2022, at 7:11 am a celebration in heaven began as Johnny joined his beloved Donna Lynn and his parents where they will worship together for all eternity.

A private celebration of life will be held in the coming weeks.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach, is proudly serving the family.