Obituary For Mr. Montarius Wheeler

Montarius Olendus Wheeler, affectionately known as “Weasel” to his family and friends, was born on September 8, 1977 in Marion, South Carolina to Louis and Lindora Wheeler. He was the third of the four sons born to the Wheeler family. Montarius unexpectedly departed this life on Monday, June 8, 2020 in Fairmont, North Carolina.

Montarius was educated in Dillon District Two schools in Dillon County, South Carolina. While attending school, he developed a passion for playing baseball. He enjoyed playing baseball in the community for the Dixie Youth Baseball League. On the field, he exhibited his athletic prowess as an impressive pitcher. Montarius was nick named, “Shoestring” by his teammates because his shoes were always untied. Imagine that - a pitcher pitching with accuracy, velocity, agility, having a powerful arm and untied shoes… This would be a perfect description of Shoestring on the field.

In the athletic world, he was Shoestring; however, to his friends and family, Montarius was “Weasel.” Weasel was a connoisseur of hearty southern cuisine, especially from his mother’s table. He was sure to call every Sunday to inquire about the menu and to request that a plate was reserved for him. He relished family gatherings. During those times, he showcased his quiet sense of humor. Weasel was best described as a shy, friendly, and pleasant young man with a warm demeanor. He had a positive effect on all around him.

Montarius was known as a highly industrious young man with a strong sense of pride in his work. This was evidenced by his longevity as an employee at Smithfield Packing in Tar Heel, North Carolina. He worked in the Meat Processing Department for approximately sixteen years. Montarius did not believe in slacking on the job or missing days unnecessarily.

At an early age, Montarius accepted Christ as his savior. He grew up in Outreach Family Fellowship in Dillon, South Carolina under the leadership of Bishop Michael and Dr. Louise Goings. Just like many of the young boys/men in the church, he was a part of a group called, “Elder Berry’s Boys.”

Montarius leaves to cherish his memories as a loving, caring, and devoted son, father, grandfather, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, and friend to the following: his mother and father: Louis and Lindora Wheeler of Dillon, SC; his two children: Montrecia Hayes and Devonta Hayes of Dillon, SC; four grandchildren: Lameyah Hayes, Jamond Robertson, Jaylen Robertson, and Bryson Robertson all of Dillon, SC; three brothers: Tyrone Wheeler of Dillon, SC, James Wheeler of Atlanta, GA and Anthony Wheeler of Woobridge, VA; two nephews: Justin Wheeler of Fayetteville, NC and Jalen Wheeler of Woodbridge, VA; five nieces: Jessica Wheeler of Dillon, SC, Maliquka Spencer of Fort Riley, KS, Jordyn Wheeler, Kennedi Wheeler both of Woodbridge, VA and Khristian Washington of Dillon, SC; a special mother: (aka) Aunt Bobbie Robinson of Dillon, SC; an extended sister: Doretha Robinson of Dillon, SC and a hosts of aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Guest Book

May God continue to sustain you during your time of sorrow. Queen McRae and Family

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My friend/ neighbor/and classmate! We shared lots of great memories!I'm gonna miss stopping and talking to him when I c him walking to lil Bills! RIP Weezel! C/O 95- Riverside!

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Montarius was a good person.He was quiet all the time but if you ask him something he would respond then he would be quiet again. I remember the day we all got together and went fishing that day and I noticed he took the fishing poles out the car and then I noticed him going back to the car to sit down.So I walked by him and said you don't fish his reply was no. So I said you don't do nothing being funny cause i thought he knew how. So by that time i walk to the pond and came back he look at me and go you must don't know how to fish all I could do was laugh I said he got me that time cause I didn't fish either. He will be greatly missed sending my deepest condolences to his family.

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I grew up playing baseball with Montarius. Started out playing at Kiwanis Ball Park. I always wanted to be teammates with Montarius but we wouldn't be teammates until it was time for All-Stars. We traveled from North Carolina to South Carolina doing what we loved to do and that was play baseball. Montarius was always the tallest one on the team. When he pitched, it was almost like the ball would reach home plate faster because he was so long. He was what we considered the "Big Unit", kinda like the Big Unit, Randy Johnson, retired pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks. To share one story that I remember. Montarius had an issue with stuttering his words, just like Moses in the bible. But Montarius always had one his teammates close by to interpret what he was saying if someone couldn't understand what he was saying, just like Aaron was to his brother Moses in the bible. So in between games one day, we were talking with guys from the other teams just trying to become friends with them and one of the guys started to make fun of Montarius and his speech. One thing we didn't allow, we could pick at each other because we were brothers, but nobody from the outside couldn't pick at us. Montarius became upset but kept his cool at the same time. Time for the game to start and Montarius is the starting pitcher and the first batter up for the other team is the same guy that was making fun of Montarius. First pitch of the game, Montarius throws the hardest fast ball he probably ever threw and beams the guy in the ribs. Coach called timeout and I told the Coach, I got him. I went to the mound and asked Montarius was he alright and he said "Reg I'm good". Montarius shut it down for the rest of the game and we ended up winning the ball game. He was a gentle giant and didn't bother anyone until you made him mad. Praying strength for you family and you all be encouraged. Staff Sergeant Reggie German US Air Force Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar

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I pray please and comfort during this time of sorrow. Faye Hines and family

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I am wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face tomorrow and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. May God grant you serenity always. Magnolia T. Williams and Family

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Bartell Funeral Home, LLC.