Mr. Wheeler passed away Monday, February 10, 2013 at Parks Methodist in Odessa, TX. He was born on March 25, 1929, in Santo, TX. B.J. attended school in Knox City, TX and graduated from O’Brien High School.
He proudly served his country in Korea and in the Aleutian Islands in the Alaskan Bering Sea with the U.S. Navy from 1947 to 1950. Bill worked in the oilfields of New Mexico and West Texas and retired from General Tire & Rubber Plant where he worked as a plant chemical operator. He was a Dallas Cowboy fan and loved to go to Permian Panther football games. He also followed Six-Man football for many decades after playing in his own hometown.
He was a member of Sherwood Church of Christ where he served as deacon for many years. B.J. was preceded in death by his wife, Venita Mae “Vicki” Heavington on May 7, 1994, his parents, Kate McCommas & Edgar Horace, brother Gary & sister Dortha Malone.
He is survived by his brother H. M. “Chuck” of Denton, daughters Peggy Nelson, Pam (Randy) Richardson, Patricia (Scott) Kraemer all of Odessa and Rita (David) Frost of Lawton, OK. Grandchildren: Rebecca (Kirk) Plymell, William (Sandy) Nelson, Ashley (Chad) Mitchell, Austen Kraemer & girlfriend Brendy Williams & Melissa (Josh) Guinn all of Odessa and Olivia (Matt) Brown of Lubbock, Wheeler Alexander Richardson of Austin, Renee (Brian) Shotts and Christi (Justin) Wilson of Oklahoma. He was also blessed with great grandchildren: Dylan, Addysen, Gage, Ryder, Bricelynn, Zoe and newest little one Brenlea Kraemer.
He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends that greatly enriched his life. Honorary Pallbearers will be his grandchildren.
Funeral Services for Billie Joe “B J” Wheeler, age 83 will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at Hubbard Kelly Funeral Home. Rev. Clay Porter officiating. Interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens with Military services.
The Wheeler family would like to take this time to express our sincere gratitude for your thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. A special gratitude to his Caregivers. Doctors & staff at Parks Methodist and Compass Hospice for your tender care and dignity given to our father and grandfather. Special Thanks to our family at Janie’s Café and Judy K’s Café for always welcoming and treating our father with respect. May God bless you all as you have blessed our family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in B.J.’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Hoime.
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