Houston Wheeler

Houston Wheeler passed away peacefully at home on November 14, 2025, with family by his side. He was born January 4, 1947, to E. O. and Isabelle Wheeler of Lynchburg, VA. He graduated from St. Andrews College in 1969 and earned masters degrees in divinity and social work from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary, 1972, and University of Louisville, 1974.

Moving to Atlanta in 1974 with his wife Anne, Houston became Wesley Community Center’s first neighborhood organizer, working with residents to replace public housing in Mechanicsville torn down for MARTA rail. Although he served as a minister to two Florida churches during 1985-1989, he felt called to community organizing and advocating for social justice. Returning to Atlanta, he founded Southern Ministry Network, working for affordable housing, the homeless, and against the death penalty.

Houston helped create the South Atlanta Land Trust, aided seniors with roof repairs, and established Elias Renovations to revitalize the area. As a resident of the Ormewood Park neighborhood, he served as the Tapestry Community HOA president and helped establish a seven-acre conservation easement. He served on the Georgia ACLU Board for seven years, including four as treasurer, and on the BOND Community Federal Credit Union Board for 10 years.

Houston loved traveling and camping with his wife, watching college basketball, spending time with his grandchildren, playing handball and golf, and collecting vintage movies. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Anne Ward Wheeler; children Matthew Wheeler (Kelly) and Carey Helal (Helal); grandchildren Rhys Wheeler, Janan Mirza, Rania Mirza, Hyaa Helal and Ayla Helal; and sister-in-law Zoraida Wheeler. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Ogden Wheeler.

Service will be held January 3rd, 2026