HENSLEY — Arley Monroe Wheetley Sr.,

age 79, of Hensley, Arkansas passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at Hospice Home Care in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Arley was born on July 13, 1940 at home in Higginson, Arkansas to Ralph and Earlene Wheetley. Arley attended Little Rock Tech High School. As a young man, he married the love of his life, Viola Hogue, and together they had five children and built an amazing life. Ultimately, he found a career as an over-the-road truck driver. He spent over fifty years traveling the roads for extended periods, sacrificing time with his family to provide for their well-being. During his career, he owned his own trucking company for almost ten years. He enjoyed spending time with his loved ones and made many memories on Lake Ouachita. Arley was a resident of the East End Community where he had many life-long friends.

Arley spent the last month of his life requiring intensive medical care, during which time his children and family surrounded him with love. Without a doubt, Arley is in heaven today, as he professed his faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior. Arley was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Earline Wheetley, his wife Viola, and daughter, Debby. He is survived by son, Arley Wheetley, Jr. and wife Julie, daughter, Linda Reed and husband David, son, Steve Wheetley and wife Margie, daughter, Tammy Rash and husband Mark, along with 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was also survived by a brother, Lanier Wheetley and wife Sharon, sister, Era Cowden and husband David, brother, Herschel Wheetley and wife Mary, and countless nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Family, friends and others whose lives Arley touched are invited to celebrate his life. Visitation will be held at Memorial Gardens in Sheridan, Arkansas from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2020 to reminisce, support each other and, of course, tell stories. Funeral services will be held at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home in Sheridan, Arkansas at 1 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 2020 with graveside services to follow at Salem Cemetery in the East End Community.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Compassion Center in Little Rock, as that was a cause that was near and dear to his heart that he felt strongly in contributing to. Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan (870) 9421306. www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.