Robert "Bob" Wesley Wheeler

** Please note different locations of visitation and service **

This obituary was lovingly prepared by the family….

Robert (“Bob”) Wesley Wheeler was born November 25, 1942, and passed away April 24, 2025, surrounded by the love of family and friends. Born in Rocky Plains to Ira Lee and Ruthie Daniel, Bob was one of nine children who grew up in a tightknit, loving family. He survived childhood mumps and encephalitis setting the tone for his life of defying the odds. Growing up he was a stelar high school athlete and graduated from Newton County High School in 1963. Following high school Bob served 2 years in the United States Army before returning home and marrying his high school sweetheart, Anne McKay and the pair spent 58 loving years together. He was preceded in death by his parents Ira and Ruthie Daniel Wheeler, his sister Annie Lee Parish, his brothers Ed Wheeler, John Wheeler, Jerry Wheeler, and Jack Wheeler. 

While only a City of Covington policeman for one year, that year would bring Bob one of his best friends, Joe Nichols. Bob then went to work for Caldwell & Cowan funeral home for 25 years. During this time, he and Anne had two beautiful children, Robert Wesley (“Wes”) Wheeler, Jr. (Allison Wheeler) and Dianna Elizabeth Wheeler Doss (Joe Doss). In 1991, he and his brother, Bill Wheeler, founded Wheeler Funeral Home where he served the community until retiring. Throughout this time, Bob also served as the Newton County Coroner from 1988 to 2008. Bob was blessed with the ability to be there for those going through the difficult time of losing a loved one, his steadfast personality calmed and reassured all.

Throughout his life Bob was an avid hunter and fisherman who enjoyed being out on the water and in the woods. Bob’s infectious personality and straight-shooting style endeared him to all who he met. Bob enjoyed being a part of the Covington Elks Lodge, he was also a Mason and a member at both Golden Fleece Lodge #6 and Pace Masonic Lodge #558, and he was Shriner. Bob and Anne enjoyed spending time together in the North Georgia Mountains by the Kellum Valley Creek. Bob was a proud “Papa” to his five grandchildren: McKayla Doss, Davis Wheeler, Katie Doss, Sam Wheeler, Lucy Wheeler. He is also survived by his brother Norman Wheeler (Pat), his sister Betty Harvey, and his brother Bill Wheeler (Jane), sisters-in-law Diane Wheeler and Miriam Wheeler, along with a host of nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.  Bob and his neighborhood friends loved to commune nightly in Richard Pace’s garage sharing stories and laughs.  

A man true to his word and willing to help others in any way he could, Bob will be remembered as the truest version of a simple, southern man. He loved his family and friends so strongly that his love will continue to comfort us all in this difficult time. To everyone, take comfort in the knowledge that Bob was a God-fearing man and is now rejoicing in his perfect heavenly body.

Funeral services for Mr. Wheeler will be held at 2 o’clock Monday, April 28, 2025 at the Chapel of Wheeler Funeral Home, 11405 Brown Bridge Road, Covington, GA 30016.  Interment will follow at Covington City Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home, 2157 East Street SE, Covington, GA 30014 from 2:00 PM until 4:00 Pm on Sunday, April 27, 2025.  Serving as pallbearers will be Wes Wheeler, Davis Wheeler, Joe Doss, David Ford, Rob Delisle, and Tommy Davis. 

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