He was born April 5, 1925 in Halifax County to the late Garland Wheeler and Sarah Carpenter Wheeler.  He was also preceded in death by his grandparents: Noah and Ida Wheeler of Jackson, NC and Frank and Mary Carpenter of Valentines, VA; a wife of 45 years Annie Lee Braswell Wheeler; two infant children Ronney Lee and Cynthia Gale Wheeler from his marriage to Katherlee “Kitty” Tanner Epps; his sisters: Mary Nellie Wheeler Seward and her husband Erby C. and Ida Elizabeth “Liz” Fitts and her husband Oliver; her brothers: Leon Earl Wheeler and Harry Gene Wheeler; his brother-in-law: Fletcher “Peter Bill” Braswell.

Mr. Wheeler was a longtime member of Roanoke Rapids Church of God. He retired from Champion International after 35 years of service as a paper tender, and also went to Canada as a representative from the local papermill in developing a new paper machine and was a member of the Old Timers Retirement Club. .  He was also employed by Wrenn Funeral Home.  Mr. Wheeler also served his country in the US Navy on the USS Plymouth (Alva) and the USS Spangenberg, and the National Guard.

Mr. Wheeler is survived by his daughter: Linda Lee Wheeler Carawan and her husband Kenneth; a son: Garland Wilson “Cheyenne” Wheeler, Jr. and his wife Janice all of Roanoke Rapids; his grandchildren: Kenneth Hunter Ross Carawan, Samantha Lee Carawan both of Roanoke Rapids; his brother: Franklin D. “Frank” Wheeler and his wife Joan of Weldon; his sister-in-laws: Inez C. Wheeler of Roanoke Rapids and Marguerite B. Wheeler of Halifax; several nieces and nephews and Sarah Hatchell Cooper Wheeler of Roanoke Rapids;  .

Funeral services will be held 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at the Roanoke Rapids Church of God with Rev. Michael Mooneyham officiating. Burial will follow in Old Cedarwood Cemetery with Military honors.  The family will receive friends Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at the church from 6:00 – 8:30 P.M. and other times at the home of his daughter.

Memorials may be made to the DAV Roanoke Valley Chapter 15, 287 Premier Blvd STE 15, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 or Rainbow Rescue, 211 Dunshill Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.

Online condolences may be made at www.hockadayfs.com.