Harry Marvin and Shirley Ann Wheeler

OBITUARY FOR HARRY MARVIN and SHIRLEY ANN WHEELER

Shirley Ann Wheeler, 85, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2021, and was joined in eternal rest by her loving husband of 65 years, Harry Marvin Wheeler, also 85 years of age, on October 17, 2022. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler were residents at the Woodlands at Furman Arboretum in Greenville, SC at the time of their passing.

Born in Ashland, Kentucky in 1936, Shirley was the daughter of James Clarence and Mavis Emily
(Sparks) Hay. She graduated from Ashland High School in 1954, completing an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Ashland Junior College in 1957. In addition to serving as an attentive homemaker caring for an extended family, Shirley was blessed in her abilities to work with the public, and enjoyed employment among diverse occupations over her lifetime including serving as a kindergarten teacher, dental assistant, and as the church secretary for the First Baptist Church of Ashland. While a resident of Ashland and later Flatwoods, Shirley was a member of Unity Baptist Church and the First Baptist Church of Russell, where she was active in the choir, as a pianist, and in Sunday School and children’s ministries. After moving to South Carolina in 1995, she actively participated with Harry in leading the Nurturing Class at Augusta Road Baptist Church. Shirley enjoyed hiking and sightseeing, gardening, cooking, volunteer work and spending time with family. In addition to her husband and children, she cared for her father Clarence and Harry’s Aunt Thelma in her home for many years, and was much loved by all those who knew her for her warmth, compassion and sense of humor.

Born in Charleston, WV in 1936, Harry was the son of Rutherford Clay and Carrie Ellen Wheeler.
He also graduated from Ashland High School in 1954, subsequently studying engineering at Georgia Tech and the University of Kentucky before completing his Bachelor’s degree with majors in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics at Berea College in 1962. Harry worked at Armco Steel Corporation as the Training Supervisor in the Human Resources Department and in subsequent related capacities for over 30 years prior to retiring in 1994. Harry was also a member of Unity Baptist Church and later the First Baptist Church of Russell, where he served as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher of the Adult Couples Class for over 20 years. After the couple moved to South Carolina in 1995 to be closer to family, Harry continued to serve as an exceptional teacher, leading the Nurturing Class in the Sunday School program at Augusta Road Baptist with Shirley. Harry enjoyed numerous athletic pursuits including running, hiking and backpacking, and completed most of the Appalachian Trail with his hiking partner Reverend Jim McKenzie. He also loved automobiles, music, travel and spending time with family, and was an accomplished amateur photographer. Harry will be lovingly remembered for his remarkable devotion to family, exceptional intellect, sharp wit, and compassionate Christian service.

Shirley and Harry are survived by their son and his wife, Drs. John and Sandy Wheeler of
Greenville, South Carolina, and were predeceased by their son Dr. David Wheeler of Highlands,
North Carolina. Shirley and Harry are also survived by four grandchildren, Sally, Samuel, Jonathan and Jessie Wheeler, Shirley’s sister Ina Powell, and Harry’s half-sisters Sue Ann Arthurs and Betty Jo Selkow.

A Celebration of Life service honoring Mr. & Mrs. Wheeler will be held at 1:00pm Saturday, November 12, 2022 at the STEEN FUNERAL HOME CENTRAL AVENUE CHAPEL by Rev. James S. McKenzie.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon prior to services.

In lieu of flowers, at the request of the family, donations may be made to the Church Ministries of the Augusta Road Baptist Church, Greenville, SC.

To express a condolence to the family, watch a livestream of the service or to view the video tribute, please visit www.steenfuneralhome.com.

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