Mr. Charles A. Wheeler's Obituary
Charles A. Wheeler Obituary
Services on June 18, 2016
Charles A. Wheeler passed from this world on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at the age of 84 years old.
Charles was born in Rogers, Texas on September 19, 1931. His parents were James Robert (JR) Wheeler and Uda Fay Dodd Wheeler. As he grew up, he was active in basketball, football and baseball at Rogers High School. He was the treasurer of his senior class as well as the class favorite. He went on to Temple Junior College where he continued playing basketball as well as participating in the choir and other organizations. Later while working in the oil field, Charles met and married Dorothy Loretta Grimes. He and Dot were married in February of 1952. During this time, Charles proudly served his country in the United States Army. Through Charles and Dot’s 45 years of marriage, they raised three sons and worked in Christ’s church in many different congregations. Charles served in the church as both a deacon and elder. He also spent many hours leading singing in worship services.
Charles worked as an operator at Union Carbide until his first retirement in the early 80’s. He then worked for Exxon has an Operating Supervisor where he trained a group from Saudi Arabia. He and Dot lived in Saudi Arabia while the plant was being built and brought up. This afforded them the opportunity to travel in Europe and Asia. Once back in Houston, Charles worked a few more years and then retired again. He enjoyed time camping with his family and introduced his kids to bluegrass music. Many hours were spent “pickin’ and singin’” together. Charles was a HAM radio operator for decades. His children and grandchildren remember fondly the call cards from radio friends on his desk as well as listening to him talking on the radio in the evening. Many people around the world knew him as WA5PJD.
After Dot lost her battle with cancer, Charles spent lots of time with his children and grandchildren. He found comfort also in his church family at Channelview. He then began keeping company with a friend, Billie Smith, and soon they decided to marry. They spent their time traveling alone and with friends and family. They liked to cook for and play games with their friends and Charles’ siblings. They doted over his grandkids as well as hers. He was PawPaw and she was Meme Billie to all the grandkids and great-grandkids. As they grew older, travels stopped but they continued to spend time at church and with their families and extended families.
Charles was very proud of his family and loved them very much. His loving family includes: Micheal and his wife Teresa and their family: Brandon, his wife Alexandra and their children: Madaleine and Peyton; Ryan; David his wife Erica and their daughter Abigail; and Krystal. Charlie (known by many as Doug) and his wife Kim and their family: Melissa, her husband Jeff and their children: Madeleine, Gianna, Scarlett and Benjamin; Jason, his wife Danielle and their daughter Raya; Natalie, her husband Joel, and their son Carter. Gary and his wife Brenda and their son Lance. Billie’s family was also very special to Charles: Brenda and her family: Jason, Courtney, Jeremy and Victoria and Sharon, her husband Henry and family, Chris, Eric and Aaron.
Charles was loved by his family and many friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew this gentle and Godly man.
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