James Albert Wheeler's Obituary
Memorial services for James Albert Wheeler, age 93 of the Stewart Community, will be held at 11:00am Thursday August 9, 2012 at the First Baptist Church in Tatum with Rev. Trey Roberson officiating. Private Masonic graveside services will be held at the Stewart Cemetery under the direction of the Rader Funeral Home.
Mr. Wheeler died at his residence Tuesday August 7.
He was born July 19, 1919 in Tatum to Jim Henry and Mattie Hartley Edge Wheeler. He graduated from Tatum High School and enlisted in Army Air Corp where he served from June 3, 1941 until October 3, 1945. Growing up in East Texas he learned at an early age how to work hard, plowing the fields, keeping a garden. After he retired and moved back to East Texas he started raising cows. He valued hard work, honesty, and integrity. James believed in being fair. He worked for Phillips 66, Costal State in the Gas Industry in the Panhandle, San Antonio, and Austin. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, and was a 32nd degree Mason. James loved his family, but his great granddaughters had a special place in his heart.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Thula Elmore Wheeler who died in 1988 after 45 years of marriage and his second wife Janie Betty Gilley Wheeler who died in 2009 after 20 years of marriage. Also preceding him in death was his parents, 4 sisters, 4 brothers, and 4 half sisters and brothers.
Survivors include his daughter Jimmy Ree Middleton and husband Jim of the Stewart Community, grandson Braden A. and his wife Elizabeth Liz , his great grandchildren Kayla Ree and Mistie Mae Middleton, step son Danny Gaines of Alaska.
The family is especially thankful to At Home Health Care of Henderson, and Heart to Heart Hospice of Longview. Also thanks to all our friends and the First Baptist Church in Tatum for your kind words of sympathy, food, flowers, and most of all your prayers
Visitation will be from 6pm until 8pm tonight at the Funeral Home.
Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
A memorial guestbook may be signed online @www.raderfh.com
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?