Wheeler Miller passed away on January 9, 2022 at the age of 97. He was born in Grandview,
Tennessee to Columbus W. Miller and Barbara Ann James Miller.
Wheeler was proud to serve his Country in WWII, enlisting in the Marines in September of 1943. He
served in the South Pacific in 3 invasions, his ship was hit by a kamikaze plane, and his troops went into
Nagasaki just weeks after the bombing. Wheeler received 2 purple hearts for wounds sustained along
with the Bronze Star, Gold Star, Commendation Medal and Victory Medal.
Following the war Wheeler headed to Michigan where he stayed for almost 45 years with a few short
stints in Tennessee. He married Ruth Smith in 1953 and fathered five wonderful children. Wheeler
became a business owner of a Commercial Garage Door business and operated it for more than 30
years. He always made time to vacation in Tennessee, spending two weeks each summer on Watts
Bar Lake. Wheeler and his family fished, and he pulled his kids around on water skis endlessly! The
best time of his life was raising his children.
In retirement he moved back to his much loved, Tennessee. During that time he enjoyed trading cars,
enjoyed his animals – especially his dogs and horse Susie, buying bulldozers, cleaning up land on his
own, yes even at age 92! He spent much of his time back in Grandview until meeting his next love,
Alice Masters and marrying again at the age of 80. Wheeler and Alice had a special relationship. They
traveled often between Tennessee and Michigan, played bingo, ate at Cracker Barrel almost everyday
and enjoyed friends and family.
Wheeler spent the last 2 1⁄2 years of his life in Michigan living with his daughter, Susan. He enjoyed
seeing the family, having his dogs near, a good game of chess, and always enjoying some good food!
Wheeler was a kind, generous, loyal man with a great sense of humor. He was the kind of man that was
easy to get to know and quickly love. He enjoyed sharing his life stories, and he had many. We will
miss him and all his great stories and chuckle.
Wheeler is survived by his five children, Raymond (Renee), Susan, Randall, Robert and Jennifer, 5
grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his ex-wife Ruth and countless
amazing nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and nine siblings – Robert, Earl, George, Orion, Jewell, Eugene,
Willard, Wesley, and Winnie and wife, Alice.
Services will be held at Hood Funeral Home in Crossville, TN on Saturday, January 15, 2022. Visitation is
from 9:00 am to 11:00 am CST, Funeral service at 11:00 am.
Burial at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery in Grandview TN. Luncheon at the Church.