William Henry Wheeler

He was born in Bartow County, Georgia on March 3, 1932, a son of the late Roma Lucile Howell Wheeler and Claude Franklin Wheeler. He graduated from Cartersville High School in 1949 and worked at Lockheed Aircraft Corp. from 1950 to 1973. He served two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1953 to 1955. In 1973 he established Mission Tire Company and continued there for a period of thirty seven years.

Mr. Wheeler was a member of the Sam Jones United Methodist Church, Cartersville Country Club, American Legion, Cartersville B.P.O.E. and the Sea Island Club. He spent a great deal of his time at his second home in St. Simons Island, Georgia, spending his mornings with his friends over coffee at the Friendly Express. He loved playing golf in his younger days and then settled in playing gin with his Cartersville friends in his golden years. His grandson was a great joy in his life.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Ann Miller Wheeler, daughter and son in law, Dianne and Jimmy Pike, of Cartersville, grandson and wife, Will and Kristen Korey Pike, of Atlanta, sister and brother in law, Sue and Ronald Farmer, of Knoxville, Tennessee, aunts, Martha White and Elizabeth Howell, brother in law and wife, Ralph H. Miller and Mary Nell Miller,sister in laws, Mrs. Jo Jones and Mrs. Betty Weimer, a number of nieces, nephews and cousins, and a special caregiver, Michelle. His courage, faith and dignity in battling this disease will continue to provide inspiration to all.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Sunday, December 19, 2010 from the Sam Jones United Methodist Church with Rev. Bill Burch and Rev. Dee Dee Lawson officiating. Interment will follow at the Sunset Memory Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Lars Flodstrom and nephews: Mike Jones, Thom and Trey Dickson, Bill, Dee, David and Joel Farmer. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Sam Jones Church Building Fund.

The family will receive friends at the funeral from 5:00 till 7:00 P.M. Saturday. Please visit www.owen funerals.com to post tributes and sign the online register.

Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Drive, Cartersville, Ga. is in charge of the arrangements.