Billy Marshall Wheeler Sr

Billy Marshall Wheeler, Sr., passed away Tuesday, March 28, 2017, with his family by his side, after a life well lived. Bill was born February 16, 1932, in Gilmer, Texas. He served in the United States Navy from 1951 - 1955. While stationed in Pensacola, Florida, he met the love of his life, Verlia Blackwell. They married June 4, 1954. Bill graduated from Texas A&M in 1959 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1963, they moved to Kingsport, Tennessee, where they raised their family and Bill began his 33 year career with Tennessee Eastman Company. Bill and Verlia also joined First Baptist Church in 1963, and it very quickly became an important part of their family's life. Bill was very involved in the church; teaching Sunday School, singing in the Sanctuary Choir, Sr. Adult Choir, and Sounds of Faith. He was a deacon and served for many years on the HVAC Committee. Bill loved the Lord and his family. He was a terrific husband, father, grandfather, gdaddy, brother, uncle, and friend. He loved gardening and golf. Bill will be greatly missed by all those who loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Fritz Pearce; and a brother, Jimmy Wheeler.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Verlia; his four children, Teli (Eddie) Marshall, Marshall Wheeler, Melissa (Mark) Houser, Melinda (David) Shipley; eight grandchildren, Blake (Kim) Houser, Phillip (Virginia) Marshall, Preston (Rachel) Marshall, Heather (Derek) Finn, Joseph Marshall, Abby Shipley, Victoria Wheeler, and Billie Wheeler; six great-grandchildren, JM Houser, Hayverly and Cameron Finn, Lucy and Stella Marshall, and Harrison Marshall; sisters, Martha Joseph and Pat Pool.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 2, 2017, at First Baptist Church with Dr. Marvin Cameron officiating.

The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall.

The family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice for their support. A special thanks to Dr. Bob Lee for this guidance, support, and friendship.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund or the First Baptist Church Music Ministry, 200 W Church Cir, Kingsport, TN 37660.