Walton Wheat

Wolton E. "Tom" Wheat was born on August 12, 1926, to Luther Wheat and Mable Passman Wheat in Poplarville, Mississippi. When Tom was just twelve years old, his father passed away, leaving him, as the oldest of eight children, to help his mother care for the family. Throughout his life, he fondly shared stories of working alongside his father in the fields with mule teams, recalling how his father would always share his jug of water after Tom had finished his own.

A proud native of Poplarville, Brother Tom honorably served his country as a U.S. Army veteran during World War II. He later married the love of his life, Murel Miller Wheat, and together they shared more than fifty-eight wonderful years of marriage before her passing.

Brother Tom faithfully devoted more than fifty years to the ministry. He pastored First United Pentecostal Church in Picayune, Mississippi, for fifteen years before returning to his hometown to pastor Crossroads United Pentecostal Church in Poplarville for thirty-two years. After stepping down as pastor, he continued serving the congregation as Senior Pastor until his passing. Outside of the churches he pastored, one of his greatest joys was preaching for Reverend Albert Travis at Sunny Hill United Pentecostal Church in Purvis, Mississippi.

In addition to his love for ministry, Brother Tom had a lifelong passion for farming. His beautiful gardens became well known throughout the community, especially for the exceptionally sweet corn he raised each year. People traveled from miles away to purchase his produce, a testament to both his hard work and generous spirit.

Brother Tom will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful pastor, and humble servant of God. His unwavering faith, dedication to the Gospel, and love for both people and the land left a lasting impact on all who knew him. His legacy continues to live on through the countless lives he influenced and the happy memories he leaves behind.