Michael Lansing Wheat

Michael Lansing "Lance" Wheat, of Little Rock, Ark., passed from this life on Monday, August 8, 2016, at the age of 48. He was born in San Diego, Calif. on November 12, 1967, almost three months ahead of schedule. Lance graduated from Joe T. Robinson High School, where he excelled in all sports including baseball, basketball, and football. After graduating, Lance moved to Indianapolis, Ind. to work in the construction field. After returning to Little Rock, he established his own swimming pool service and then became a painting contractor. To say that Lance was loved by many would be an understatement. As his cousin put it, "We lost a carefree, fun-loving, strong man . . . he lived his life exactly how he wanted to. He made everyone laugh and enjoy his company. He had a kickass time!" Lance is survived by his mother, Jacquie Wheat Petranech; his brother, Larry Wheat Jr. (Cristy); his sister Lynn Pridgen (Steve); his five nephews, William and Jacob Wheat, Nathan Donahue, and Taylor and Travis Pridgen; his niece Brandis Wheat Spainhour, his aunt, Barbara Martin of Poway, Calif.; two cousins, Sharon Rojas (Mundo), and Sandra Martin; and enough friends and loved ones to fill Verizon Arena. Lance was preceded in death by his father, William Lawrence, Wheat Sr., and his stepfather, Paul F. Petranech. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday August 12th at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Chapel, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock, Ark. 72117 (501) 835-3515. Visitation will be 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. today (Thursday) at the funeral home. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.griffinleggettresthills.com.