Raymond H. Wheeler, 93, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Nov. 26, 2022.
Ray was born March 31, 1929, to Raymond Sr. and Margaret (Peggy) Wheeler of Cleveland, Ohio. Later, the family moved to Cincinnati where Ray and his three sisters grew up. He loved the outdoors, camping as a Boy Scout, beekeeping, gardening and hiking. His first career choice was forest ranger, but as an extravert he decided that would be a bit lonely.
Ray was a health enthusiast and athlete to the end. He played football and basketball in high school, then took up track. Passionate about running, he participated in road races all around the south. He finally turned in his running shoes at age 82 when an 88-year-old “gazelle” bested him. From that point, he faithfully went to the Franklin Fitness Center three days a week and walked the hills by his home five days a week. Unstoppable, he continued his fitness program until a few months before he passed. At one point his physical therapist told him he was too speedy on his walker and to slow it down some, which he stubbornly refused to do.
One sister described him as “always having his nose in a book.” He loved learning so much that he eventually pursued a PhD in sociology at the University of Michigan. After earning his PhD, he took a job at the University of South Florida in Tampa and moved his family there in 1965. He worked there as a professor for 40 years, finally retiring at age 72. Moving to Florida provided even more time and sunshine for outdoor adventures, like golf and sailing.
Always an adventurer, he hitchhiked with a buddy across the U.S. the year after high school graduation. He loved Mexico. In 1992 he traded positions with a professor at the University of South Wales in Australia where he lived and explored for six months. While there, he formed an email relationship with a graduate student and eventual soul mate Judy. When he returned to the U.S. he and Judy married, blending their two families together for almost 25 joyous years. Judy preceded him in death by only 71 days. They simply didn’t want to live without each other.
Ray loved spending summers in Franklin, eventually buying a home and moving here full time with his beloved wife Judy. They resided here for 22 years. His favorite activities were climbing Mt. LeConte, hiking Wayah Bald, attending book club meetings, going to Wednesday morning breakfast with friends, and exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Peggy Wheeler; first wife Peggy Wheeler (yes, his mother and first wife had the same name); sister Lois Wheeler Zapf; beloved wife, Judy Perry. He is survived by sisters, Donna Wheeler Ditmyer of Toledo, Ohio, and Marjie Wheeler Holcomb (Paul) of Dayton, Ohio; children, Art Wheeler (Gail Knowlton) of Raleigh and Sarah Wheeler Caverhill (Rob) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Glenville; stepchildren, Heather Perry Greist (Hank) of Gainesville, Florida, and Alex Perry (Julie Simmons) of St. Petersburg, Florida; and grandchildren, Kirsten Caverhill of Boston, Massachusetts, and Nathan, Jonathan, David and Benjamin Greist of Gainesville, Florida. In addition, the family thanks Florence Crauwels for her wonderful caretaking and friendship of Ray and Judy.
A celebration of life will be held this summer in Cincinnati, Ohio, when the family can gather and drink a toast to Uncle Ray. We appreciate all of the prayers, good wishes, love and support from our family and friends. We will miss Ray deeply and are grateful for his long, rich life.
Online condolences may be made at moffittfunerals.com. Moffitt Family Funeral Care is serving the family.