Born November 26, 1952 in Harrisonburg, he was the son of Mary Kathryn (Fultz) Wheeler and the late Norman Wheeler.
After graduating from Waynesboro High School in 1971 he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from the University of Virginia. Phil worked as a software engineer for many years and did contract work for NASA and the University of Virginia. He held professional careers in Maryland, Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia. More recently, Phil became interested in and published several books on the ancient tradition of alchemy. In addition to his professional interests, Phil was an avid photographer, musician, and craftsman.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Taylor Wheeler.
In addition to his mother, Phil is survived by a sister, Carol Wheeler Doss; two sons, Scott Wheeler (Jenn) and Patrick Wheeler (Katie); significant other, Rela Wheeler; grandchildren, Elizabeth, James, Haleigh, Tyler, and Mckenzie Wheeler; step-children, Christopher Libunao (Chen Chen), Michael Libuano (Maricel), Michelle Libuano, and Marinella Antonano (Aaron); step-grandchildren, Charisse, Gavin, Xan Caleb, Misha, Ayesha Zy, Jayden, and Glecyl; one nephew and several cousins.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 6, 2019 at the Stuarts Draft Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes, 1870 Stuarts Draft Highway. Following the visitation, a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with family friend, Susan Batten-Bell officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Phil’s name to Upper Tennessee River Roundtable at www.uppertnriver.org, for clean river work in Virginia.
Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com
