William "Bill" Joseph Wheeler

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 was a lifelong member of Lake City First United Methodist Church where he served in numerous positions including usher, trustee and Sunday School Song Leader.

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 also Scoutmaster for Boy Scouts of America Troop 87 for many years where he received the Wood Badge Award. He volunteered with First United Methodist Church and the Christian Service Center for over a decade, after retirement.

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.

Pallbearers will be: Jay Hagan, Mike Conner, Robby Hollingsworth, David Bedenbaugh, Jed Bedenbaugh, Bert Marks, Mitchell Ronsonet and Roger Busscher.

Honorary Pallbearers are: Bob Pike, Norbie Ronsonet, Nick Whitehurst, Bobby Simmons, Steve Stafford, Vernon Masters and Butch Fike.

In Abstentia Pallbearers are: Bobby Sandlin, Jerry Woods, Wayne Hollingsworth, Sam Markham, Bob Marks, Wayne Hammons, Charles Ozaki, Terry McDavid, Roy Bedenbaugh and Jerry Bedenbaugh.

Visitation will be Friday, July 1, 2022 from 5-7 at the Gateway Forest Lawn Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Saturday, July 2, 2022 at  11:00 a.m. at Lake City First United Methodist Church. Burial will be at Bethel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to First United Methodist Church, 973 S. Marion Avenue, Lake City, FL 32025.

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