Gerald Wheat

Gerald Richard Wheat, loving husband and father, and lifelong Presbyterian minister, died October 14, 2024 at his residence in Nashville, Tennessee. Born February 9, 1930 in Hamden, New York, he is preceded in death by his parents Irving and Elsie Wheat of Hamden, New York; his brothers Ralph, Donald, Carlton, and Bruce; and his wife of 65 years, Mildred Rebecca Vorhis Wheat. He is survived by his brother George (Fran); four children and their spouses: Don (Ann), Doug (Patti), Becky Portier (Fred) and Debby Lelansky (Craig); nine grandchildren and their spouses: Chris Wheat (Elizabeth), Katy Borhauer (Peter), Adam Portier (Nicole), Erin Haught, Christine Finnegan (Ryan), Joel Portier (Vita), Alex Lelansky (Krista), Jenny Crawmer (Steven), and Dan Lelansky; thirteen great-grandchildren; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

He graduated from Delaware Academy in Delhi, NY, Maryville College in Maryville, TN, and Pittsburgh-Xenia Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA. In his many years as a United Presbyterian minister, he served the following congregations: Grove United Presbyterian Church, West Middletown, Pennsylvania; Westminster Presbyterian Church, New Concord, Ohio; First Presbyterian Church, Belle Center, Ohio; First Presbyterian Church, Washington Court House, Ohio; and Greenwich Presbyterian Church, Nokesville, Virginia. After his retirement to Arlington, Virginia, he was active in congregational life at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Garden Memorial Presbyterian Church and National Presbyterian Church. He was always known for his strong commitment to pastoral care, his community service including Kiwanis activities and serving as Chaplain for the Washington City Council, his quick wit, a lifelong love of gardening and music, his many collections, and his curated collection of jokes (some of which showed up in sermons). He will be missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service celebrating his life is planned for May 10 at the Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens in Nashville, TN with interment following the service.

"I want my present place of habitation

To be a lovely garden of content.

Where I can find God's love and consolation

And praise Him for the trials He has sent." - anonymous