Mr. Eugene Moses Wheeler Jr.

Elder Eugene M. Wheeler Jr. was born on June 23, 1947, to loving parents, Maggie L. Holt and Eugene M. Wheeler in Leland, MS. His parents moved the family to Milwaukee, WI in 1951. He confessed his faith in Christ at an early age and attended West Side Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Miller. He attended West Division High School and graduated in 1966. While at West Division, he ran track and played football. After graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army and served as a communication specialist during the Vietnam War. He married the love of his life, Deborah J. Lewis, on November 26, 1966. Two wonderful children were born of this marriage, Tina and Derek, who loved their father dearly. Upon leaving the service, he used his G.!. Bill to further his education and attended Bryant and Stratton College, where he earned his associate degree in business. Eugene started working in retail at the age of 16 at Star Clothing Store on Vliet Street. This sparked his love for buying and selling clothing. When he completed his degree, he was delighted to be able to work in retail at every level including buying, selling, and managing his own store. Eugene was able to travel often to New York, Chicago, Hong Kong, and other places to buy clothing for the stores .• he served. As a result of his love for fashion, he and his family were always well dressed. He also would give you the shirt off his back if you asked for it. He was a very generous man who had an entrepreneurial heart. He was always developing plans to build wealth and become financially rich, but because of his loving spirit, his richness came through the many people who loved him, especially his children. Eugene rededicated his life to Christ and joined Holy Sanctuary C.O.G.I.C. with his family in 1975, under the leodership of Elder Herbert J. Lewis. Later, he was called to ministry under the leadership of Pastor Mae L. Lewis and ordained as an Elder on March 22, 2007. He was very active spiritually in the church. He also used his skills as a handyman to make improvements to the church over the years. Eugene enjoyed several hobbies including bowling, carpentry, tennis, and spending time with all his family members at celebrations, holidays, and family reunions. In addition, he loved to watch all types of sports, especially basketball playoffs, football Super Bowls, baseball World Series, and tennis Grand Slams. Throughout his life, Eugene was always busy helping others. His perseverance and faithful spirit helped his children and others believe that all things are possible if you put your trust in the Lord. Elder Eugene M. Wheeler Jr. silently departed this life on April 26, 2023. He was preceded in death by: parents, Eugene and Maggie Wheeler; brother, George Wheeler; and other relatives including his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He leaves to cherish his precious memory: wife, Deborah J. Wheeler; daughter, Tina Wheeler; son, Derek (Janet) Wheeler; raised nephew, Edward (June), and Glenn; niece, Gina; grandchildren, Sherrick (Joey), Derek II, Devon, Julius, Myleah, and Gabriel; great- grandchild, Lola; sisters, Martha Fair (Adell), Lee Vera Gentry, Mildred McDowell (Oscar), Patricia Wheeler, Terese Robinson (Kim), Peggy Fortune, and Alicia Bates; sister-in-law, Mary Wheeler; special brother-in-law, Kirby Lewis; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving relatives, and dear friends.

Mr. Eugene Moses Wheeler Jr.

June 23, 1947 - April 26, 2023