- Date Of Birth: February 6, 1937
- Date Of Death: June 27, 2022
- State: Florida
William Joseph “Bill” Wheeler, 85, went to his heavenly home to reunite with his Savior on Monday, June 27, 2022. Bill, the son of Joseph Cullen and Vera Bedenbaugh Wheeler, was born on February 6, 1937 in Jacksonville, Florida. He was raised in Lake City and graduated from Columbia High School with the Class of 1955. He went on to the Georgia Institute of Technology where he worked his way through college and graduated in 1961. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.
Bill married Janice Ellen Benning of Chamblee, GA on August 12, 1961 and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past August. They had two boys, Blaine and Brad.
He was the co-owner of Orange State Pipe and Supply and Rossi Hardware and later North Florida Concrete. He retired with the State of Florida as an Engineer III at Northeast Florida State Hospital in Macclenny.
Bill served his community in numerous ways. He was a member of the Lake City Rotary Club serving as president from 1984-85, and was a Paul Harris Fellow.
He served from 1968 to 2001 with the Columbia County Fair on the Columbia County Resources Board, 28 years as Vice President. He was appointed by then Governor Askew for three terms to the Suwannee River Authority from 1971-1980. He also served as a Director and then President of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce from 1970-1973. He was a founding Board Member for both the Columbia County Boys Club and the Lake City Family YMCA. Bill served with United Way, The Lake City Committee of 100, CHS Quarterback Club (CHS Tiger season ticket holder since 1967) and was Chair of the New High School Site Selection Committee.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Vera Wheeler and a sister, Joan Hagan.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jan Wheeler, sons, Blaine Wheeler and Brad Wheeler (Lorrie), Grandchildren, Holly Cowen (Charlie), Haley Wheeler (Josh Davis), BJ Wheeler (Hanna) and Hanna Wheeler, one sister, Linda Sue Conner, one Aunt, Lena Burnsed and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
