Benton McMillon Wheeler, Jr, 86, of Vestavia Hills passed away on Tuesday, July 8th 2014 after a brief illness. He was born in Nashville, TN and raised in Shelbyville, Tn. He graduated from the University of Alabama in 1950. He then joined the Army and was stationed in Fort Lee, VA as a 1st Lieutenant where he met his wife of 57 years, Frances Winstead Wheeler. She preceded him in death, along with his parents Benton Sr. and Arlene Wheeler. Ben was a Regional Sales manager for Westinghouse Electric/Philips North America for 34 years living in various locations throughout the country. Ben was an avid duplicate bridge player and Life master. He also played golf for many years. Ben is survived by his daughter, Francine Smith (Tippy), son Benton Wheeler III and his grandchildren, Mac and Grant Wheeler. The family will receive friends at 12:00 on Friday, July 11th at Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, AL. After the visitation, the memorial service will be held at 1:00 in the chapel and followed by a graveside service. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.
