Sanders E. Wheeler's Obituary
Sanders E. Wheeler, better known as 'San', or even 'Sam' by some, has finally left this life on the 9th day of April, 2014. San was born on October 9th, 1924, in Itawamba County, Smithville, Mississippi. He met his future wife of 63 years there, just a short time before WWII. He married her and was immediately sent to Europe by the United States Army. His Army time was spent mostly in Patton's 3rd Army. Company 'C' 319th Infantry 80th Infantry Division, he was a PFC for most of the end of WWII. Ribbons include, 3 Purple Heart medals, the Bronze Star, the European-African-Middle Eastern campaign medal, Honor-Fidelity-Efficiency Medal, and the World War II medal. San served in some of the worst battles of the European Theater of war, including the 'Battle of the Bulge', during the final winter, of 44-45. After the war, he came home and went to work for American Motors, in Illinois. He and Ruby had three children, Sandra, Sherry, and Mark. They moved to Tavares in 1958, where San started and successfully operated several businesses, most connected to Automobiles. The last one he started was the Wheeler's Paint and Body Shop, in 1973, which in now being run by his son Mark Wheeler, at the corner of Old 441 and Dora Ave. Besides working many hours, and sometimes more than one job, San was also involved with the Tavares Church of Christ, where he served the last 35+ years as an elder. After Mark took over the business, San and Ruby traveled a great deal via motor-home, mostly out west. Ruby passed away in 2009, only a few days short of being married for 63 years. San began to slow down, he seemed eager to depart this life and be with Ruby again. San was preceded in death by his wife Ruby and one brother, Robert Wheeler. He is survived by his children; Sandra K. (Ric) Newton of Leesburg, Sherry L. Simon of Tavares and Mark E. Wheeler of Tavares. In addition to his children he is survived by his sisters; Emogene Stegall of Tavares and Diane Umfress of Fulton, Mississippi, one brother Frank Wheeler of Eustis, Florida, six grandchildren; Kim, and Steve Newton, Greg Simon, Lynn Hunter, Jamie Roberts, Jason McMahon and eight great grandchildren; Brad and Holly Hunter, Aubrey, Ava, Alyssa, Garrett Simon, J.J. McMahon, Shane McHugh.
What’s your fondest memory of Sanders?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sanders?
Share a story where Sanders' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sanders you’ll never forget.
How did Sanders make you smile?
