Larry Myron Wheeler, Lt. Col USMC (Ret. Reserves), died March 5, 2015 at Hospice Savannah.
Son of Essie Myrtle Smith and Lewin Wheeler, Larry was born and raised in Alma, Ga. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1954, where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed at Quantico, Va.
For over 40 years, he lived in Alexandria and worked in Washington, D.C. Employed by U.S. Sen. Richard Russell (D-Ga.) and later by U.S. Rep. Jack Brinkley (D-3-Ga.) as his administrative assistant, Larry also served early in his career as Secretary of the Senate and assistant to Interior Secretary Stewart Udall. He finished his career at Hughes Aircraft as their congressional liaison.
Survivors include Joan Wheeler his wife of 57 years, Roxann Wheeler his daughter, Mike Wheeler his brother, Karen Wheeler his sister-in-law, Derek and Jon Wheeler his nephews, John Scott McDonald and Rosemary Holton his cousins. In late April, the family will celebrate his life at two services, one at the Alma Methodist Church and the other at Skidaway Island United Methodist Church.
For those who are moved to memorialize him in some way, the family suggests a gift to the Skidaway Cat Program (non-profit), Jane Von Rutenberg, treasurer, 2 Moonbill Lane, Savannah, GA 31411, where Larry was a volunteer and supporter along with Joan, or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Fairhaven Funeral Home, Hubert C. Baker Chapel, Savannah, Ga., is in charge of arrangements. See www.fairhavenfuneralhome.net.