Nellie Ruth Wheeler

Nellie Ruth Wheeler, age 95, went home to be with the Lord on March 31, 2026. Born at home in Old Harrison, TN on May 27, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Wallace and Edith Glover. Those who knew her best knew her as Nelle—a compassionate, selfless, hard-working, kind-hearted, generous, and faithful woman whose life was marked by quiet strength and steadfast devotion to others.

Nelle graduated from Ooltewah High School in 1948, where she served as class valedictorian and received many honors. Following graduation, she worked with Davenport Hosiery Mill in Chattanooga.

A year later, Nelle married her high school sweetheart, Jack Wheeler, on July 3, 1949. She later began a long and distinguished career with American National Bank, where she was employed for 26 years. In 1981, she retired as the Chief Loan Officer at the Brainerd Branch, having earned the respect of colleagues and community alike through her diligence and integrity. After retirement, she embraced a second career working at the family farm, Wheeler Dairy in Apison, TN, a place she dearly loved and where her hard-working spirit continued to shine.

Nelle was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Jack Wheeler, and her daughter, Jill Suzanne Wheeler, both of Apison, TN; siblings, Grace Thomas, Jeanette Holland and Jerry Glover, all of Rock Spring, GA; and son-in-law, Ron Stulce of Apison, TN. Survivors include her daughter, Cindy Wheeler Stulce of Apison, TN; brothers, Don (Debbie) Glover of Rock Spring, GA and Bob Glover of Albany, GA; and several nieces and nephews.

A long-time member of Apison Baptist Church, Nelle and Jack were devoted, behind-the-scenes supporters of the ministries of the church. Even when her health prevented her from attending in person, she remained faithful in worship, watching multiple church services on television on Sunday mornings.

Nelle was a country girl at heart and cherished life on the farm. She and Jack were strong supporters of agriculture through Bradley County Co-Op and the Farm Bureau, and many of their trips were farm related. Together they traveled to all 50 states and several foreign countries. Her greatest joy was spending time with family and friends, and above all, she loved the Lord and instilled that love in her children.

The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 am on Good Friday, April 3, 2026 at Plowman Cemetery, 11101 Old East Brainerd Road, Apison, TN 37302. A graveside service will follow at 11 am in the cemetery with Pastor Macil Duncan officiating.

In Nelle’s honor, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital at: www.stjude.org, the Ronald McDonald House at: www.rmhchattanooga.com or the Jill Wheeler Memorial Nursing Scholarship at UTC at: www.give.utc.edu/college-funds/

Please share your thoughts and memories at: www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com

Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 8214 East Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421.