Richard Kirk Wheeler

Richard Kirk Wheeler passed away on December 26, 2016. Dick Wheeler was born October 15, 1956 in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. He received a B.A. in Psychology from Western Kentucky University where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.

Dick is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Wheeler and their two children: Courtney Hahn and her husband, Nichlos; Robert Wheeler and his wife, Jessica; and a grandson, Jaxon Lee Wheeler. He is preceded in death by his parents: Portus and Patricia Wheeler. Other surviving family include a brother: Douglas Wheeler and his wife, Lori along with their sons, Caleb and Gabriel; his mother-in-law, Billie Northerner; and a sister-in-law: Sara Northerner.

Dick spent over 37 years in the healthcare industry and held numerous executive level sales leadership positions. He joined Willis Towers Watson (then Extend Health) in July of 2009 and was responsible for sales and business development for all employer market segments, including Commercial, Public and Labor. Before becoming East Division Sales Leader in 2014, Dick was Senior Vice President of National Sales successfully building and leading the sales support teams now in place.

Dick made numerous contributions in his time at Willis Towers Watson. During his combined tenure, their Exchange Solutions experienced explosive and consistent year-over-year growth from under 150,000 members to well over 1.5 million. Of particular note, he helped drive the sale of the largest account in company history as well as hundreds of other new client wins. His “go sell something” mantra made a mark on his many colleagues but he was known more for his ability to call out team successes over his own in order to ensure that every win was recognized.

Prior to 2009, he served as National Vice President for Corporate Development and partner for Prescription Benefits, Inc., a pharmacy benefit administrator and was the founder and President of Wheeler & Associates, a healthcare business development and consulting firm. Additionally, Dick spent almost 8 years at United Health Group and 19+ years with Humana, holding various VP level executive leadership roles.

Dick’s passions included golfing at Bay Hill Country Club and rock-n-roll music. With a six handicap and a deep knowledge of rock-n-roll trivia, he excelled in both. He loved the University of Kentucky Wildcats (Go Cats!) and the Green Bay Packers (the Pack!).

Above all, his love of and deep pride in his family and many friends sustained him throughout his years. His generous nature and successful attitude allowed him to achieve a great deal of respect while also extending a hand to those in need or by mentoring associates.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 5 from 4-7pm with a memorial service at 6pm at the Woodlawn Memorial Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to Edgewood Children’s Ranch in memory of Richard Wheeler. He volunteered time there mentoring children. 1451 Edgewood Ranch Rd, Orlando, FL 32835 or online at: edgewoodranch.com