William Earle Wheeler

William Earle “Bill” Wheeler of Lebanon, TN passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024.   He is predeceased by his loving wife Sue Ellen Wheeler.  He is survived by his four children, Meredith Sue Wheeler, William Edward “Ted” Wheeler, Courtney Katherine Wheeler, Andrew Douglas “Drew” Wheeler and his four grandchildren, Grace Katherine Wheeler, Eleanor Sue Wheeler, Fiona Rose Wheeler and William Rollin Wheeler.

Bill was born July 31, 1952 to George Warren Wheeler and Vera Mae (Miller) Wheeler in the neighborhood of Jamaica in Queens, NY.  He has three sisters Dona, Marilyn “Lyn” and Debra whom he loved dearly.  He would retell his many adventures growing up in New York and many of these stories were about his ingenious ability to fix, build, or create anything.  One of his favorite childhood stories to recall was of him repeatedly visiting a new home construction site in his neighborhood while on his bike.  He came back so many times that the site workers let him help put together one of the windows in the house.

During his youth in the church, Bill served on a mission in Düsseldorf, Germany.  While attending church after returning from his mission, he met and fell in love with his wife, Sue Ellen.  They married on May 23, 1975 and soon thereafter Sue Ellen gave birth to their first daughter, Meredith, followed in close succession by a son, Ted, then another daughter, Courtney, and another son, Drew.  

Bill always exhibited an amazing work ethic. He started his career in hospital administration and climbed the corporate ladder all while focusing the majority of his time on being an amazing father. He was a coach, a Boy Scout leader, a choir instructor, an explorer, a camper and an all-around cheerleader for his children.   He was an incredible athlete and coached ALL his childrens’ athletic teams.  Bill was an exceptional father and somehow always found the time to be there for his children. 

Bill loved to sing and had an angelic voice.  He began singing during his youth and continued throughout his life.  One of his favorite pastimes was singing barbershop songs with his two sons.  Bill would never miss an opportunity to serenade his family even if that was just whistling through the grocery store.  His interests included building things - houses, cars, porches, etc.  Bill also loved to laugh, he and his wife Sue Ellen, both had a hearty sense of humor and their laughter pulled their family through some of the more trying times life offered. 

Bill had a generous and giving heart.  He encouraged giving back to his community through his work in his church or to the organizations that he believed in. He loved building homes for Habitat for Humanity; he, along with his wife, nursed many sick animals back to health and became a rescue home for many abandoned shelties.  

Bill was always a deeply spiritual man.  He was a role model for his children and those that knew him.  He leaves a legacy of devotion to others, kindness and love that will be remembered and honored by his family and all those whose lives he touched.

Those who wish to honor Bill may do so by sending donations to either of the two following organizations:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: https://donations.churchofjesuschrist.org/

The American Heart Association: https://mygiving.heart.org/-/XGARBPWG