Tilman "Tim" E. Wheeler Jr.

Tilman Eugene Wheeler, Jr., “Tim”, 90, of Signal Mountain, Tennessee passed away on July 5, 2026. He was born in 1936 in Birmingham, Alabama. Tim was an Eagle Scout and represented the State of Alabama at President Eisenhower’s inauguration in 1953. Tim was a 1959 graduate of Auburn University’s (API) School of Architecture, where he served as the Student President. Following graduation he was commissioned into the US Navy, serving primarily on the USS Eldorado until 1962.

Tim began his architectural career at Skidmore, Owings and Merrill in New York City. He returned to Birmingham and ultimately became a founding partner of Kidd, Wheeler and Plosser Architects. He was an active member in the American Institute of Architects and served as the president of the Birmingham Chapter. Prior to retirement Tim practiced architecture in Florida.

In 1967, Tim’s life changed forever when he met the love of his life who was visiting from New Jersey. Tim and Gail would be married in 1968, and they embarked on a life-long partnership full of adventure (ask Gail about the early sailing escapades). They spent the next fifty-eight years as dearest friends, confidants, and the backbone of the extended Wheeler family.

Tim will be remembered by his children as a father who was always there for their own adventures: a coach, a teacher, a cheerleader, and general “fixer of all things”. Tim’s grandchildren will remember him as “Opa” or “Pa Wheeler” and will never forget the hours of playing, fishing, reading, building, listening, and the endless activities.

He was an intellectual, an artist, a builder, an advisor, a peacemaker, and a patient family leader that always cared for those around him. Tim loved his family, but his love for The Lord was always primary and first!

Tim is survived by his wife, Gail Hopper Wheeler; his sister, Kathryn Wheeler; his children, Tilman E Wheeler III “Trey” (Michelle Hackett Wheeler) and Bentley Wheeler; his grandchildren: Jacob Stephenson, Crosby Wheeler, Cassidy Wheeler, Garrison Wheeler, Sullivan Wheeler, Timberly Wheeler, and Callaway Wheeler; and great-grandchildren, John Wheeler and Katherine Wheeler. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jean Wheeler and his parents; Tilman Eugene Wheeler, Sr. and Martha Lewis Scott Wheeler.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any gifts be directed to Embrace Ministry (a ministry for special needs children) at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, 612 James Blvd, Signal Mountain, TN.

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

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.