Joseph Wheeler

Joseph Henry Wheeler, 45, passed away on April 23, 2025 in Piedmont, South Carolina, where he lived with his loving family. Joey was born on January 25, 1980 in Ridgeway to the late Dan Wilson Wheeler and Jane Sloan Cooper. He spent most of his formative years growing up on Sullivans Island and in McClellanville where he made many lasting friends and touched the lives of everyone he met. Joey was a graduate of Wando High School before attending the University of South Carolina where he graduated with a degree in journalism and a minor in English. After graduation he returned to the low country where he met his wife, Catherine Guess Wheeler. Joey resumed his higher education at the College of Charleston, where he studied biology and German. Joey Wheeler was a self-described star gazer, woods walker, stone finder, steel shaper, water bringer, eye smiler, and spark striker. At the time of his death, Joey worked as a lead metal fabricator at Engineered Products.

Joey is survived by his wife, Catherine, and their three sons: Wilson James Wheeler, 19, Joseph James Guess Wheeler, 11, John Earl Daniel Wheeler, 8; his mother, Jane Sloan Cooper, his step father, John Hughes Cooper; his five brothers: John Daniel Wheeler (Mary), John Townsend Cooper (Liz), Tyler Cooper (Janie), Charles Cooper (Mandy), and Sloan Cooper; and his 9 nieces and nephews: Frances, Henry, Ada, and Harriet Wheeler; Elliott Kate and John Reid Cooper; Pope and Wade Cooper; and Chloe Cooper; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends.

A gathering of family and friends for the tree burial of his ashes and sharing of memories will take place at the family farm at 85 East Sloan Road, Piedmont, SC 29673 on May 3, 2025 at 3:00 pm. Food will be provided after the burial. Please bring a folding chair and your own adult beverages.

A low country gathering and tree burial will be scheduled at Moss Swamp near McClellanville this summer. More info on social media.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the trust for Joey’s children.