Billy "Bill" Joe Wheeler

Billy Joe “Bill” Wheeler, age 87, passed away on November 21, at his home in Copperas Cove, Texas. He was the youngest of six children and last surviving family member of his generation and those before him. He continued to visit his hometown until his death.

He graduated Salutatorian of the class of 1955 from the Strawn, Texas Greyhounds. He lettered in the sports of football, basketball, baseball and track. Prior to joining the military, he met the love of his life, Nelda Stuart at the post office in Strawn, TX. He proudly served in the U.S Army for 20 years. During his years of service he and his family were stationed in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, Camp Zama, Japan, Ansbach, Germany, and Fort Hood, Texas. He also served one unaccompanied tour in Vietnam. After he retired from the military he attended college, earned his associates degree, and worked 17 years for Central Texas College in the Employee Benefit Department.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 50 years Nelda Wheeler, parents Edgar and Lucretia Ruth Wheeler, Sisters Mary Ruth White and Johnnie (Clay) Traywick, brothers Paul, James (Betty) Wheeler.

Bill is survived by his son Keith Wheeler, daughters Lucretia (Brett) Mighell, and Wanda Jo (Paul) Warren, all of Copperas Cove, Texas. He is also survived by extended family Ed (Sandra) Stuart of Scranton, Texas, and Ruby (Roger) Reep of Morton Valley, Texas. Bill was the proud Papa of many loved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a loving uncle to nieces and nephews.

Services will take place on Monday, December 4, at Clear Creek Baptist Church, Kempner, Texas. Visitation will be from 10am-11am followed by graveside services at 1:00pm at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery Wreaths for Vets. It is an honored family tradition to participate in the wreath laying ceremony each year.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crawfordbowerscopperascove.com for the Wheeler family.