Wheeler Wilson Gresham III

Wheeler Wilson Gresham III — born January 14, 1947 — took the checkered flag for the final time on August 11, 2025.

Wheeler was the eldest of three children born to Wheeler “Tex” Gresham II and Mary White. His father was his hero, and he adored his kind and loving mother. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, sister Ina and brother Wade.

Growing up in San Jose in a modest house shared with his parents and grandmother, Wheeler developed a love for racing and all things fast. As a boy, he could often be found tearing up and down the dirt road that would one day become Highway 17 in his go kart. His father would often drop young Wheeler off at the race track with a full gas can, only to return hours later to find Wheeler sitting on his kart, grinning, with an empty one.

A proud American, Wheeler enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps as a young man, serving two tours in Vietnam. Humble about his service, he nonetheless embodied the Marine spirit—loyal, disciplined, and brave.

After returning home, Wheeler worked alongside his father at the family business, Buddy’s Floors, where his work ethic and dedication shone.

He had a big heart and never shied away from taking a chance on love—romantic and otherwise—and in his younger days was always the charmer. While Wheeler never had children of his own, his life was rich with the laughter of kids he adored and the company of friends who became family. He especially cherished his role in taking his niece, Samantha, under his wing for many years, guiding her with the same mix of patience, humor, and grit that he brought to the track. His bonds were strong, his loyalty unwavering, and his heart wide open.

Wheeler’s love of speed took him from motorcycles to sprint cars and midgets, where he became a force on the Northern California racing circuit. In the 1970s, he was Northern California state champion for several seasons running, thrilling fans with his fearless driving. In the 70’s he was a ‘BlackPlate’ on motorcycles and in 1971 took Short Track Champ. As his focus switched from motorcycles to sprint cars, in the mid-1980s, he took the victory lap numerous times and finished in the top five over 100 times. Piloting the iconic yellow #13, and sponsored by the likes of Budweiser, Firestone, Rennsport Werke, and Dial In Cam—Wheeler competed at Baylands Raceway, Santa Maria Speedway, San Jose Speedway, Antioch Speedway, and beyond. He was BCRA Champion in 1984.

He was as skilled with a wrench as a wheel, building and designing his cars from the ground up, part by part.

As his professional racing career wound down in the early 90’s, Wheeler retired from the Carpet Layers Union but never slowed down. He worked at All Weld as a machinist and poured his passion into building micros and racing on a local level.

Wheeler will be remembered as a man with a heart of gold—thoughtful, caring, generous—and as a legend on the track. His life was a mix of grit and grace, of roaring engines and quiet kindness.

He is survived by countless friends and fans in the racing community. We will miss him more than words can say, but his stories, laughter, and legacy will live forever.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life honoring Wheeler on October 11, 2025, at 1:00pm, 11755 Bennetta Lane, Gilroy, California.

Come share memories and honor Wheeler’s incredible life.

“Life’s a race, and Wheeler drove it full throttle.”