Randolph F. Wheless, Jr.
05/12/1931 - 05/05/2023
Judge Randolph (Randy) Frederick Wheless, Jr. died peacefully in his sleep on Friday, May 5th at the age of 91, just one week prior to his 92nd birthday. Judge Wheless was born in Houston on May 12th, 1931. He attended The Kinkaid School (when Mrs. Kinkaid's School was on Richmond), before receiving his Bachelor's and Juris Doctor degrees, both from The University of Texas at Austin. Judge Wheless served in the US Army, before he began to practice law as an Assistant District Attorney. Later in his career, he practiced law at a firm before moving into private practice. In 1985, he was appointed as Federal Bankruptcy Judge for the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, Southern District of Texas and later became Chief Bankruptcy Judge.

Judge Wheless loved his family, the study of law, and the Texas Longhorns.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years Edith (Shug) Wheless, his sister Alice Lockett Wheless, his son Randolph F. Wheless, III, Mina Hoyer Wheless, his daughter Leila Allen Wheless and her husband Bruce Grooms, and grandchildren Anna Kathryn Wheless, Owen Wild, and Riley Wild. He was proceeded in death by his daughter Kathryn.

We're sure he is looking down on his beloved family and, of course, giving the "Hook 'em!" sign to the Texas Longhorns.

A graveside funeral service will be held at the Calvert Cemetery at the intersection of Burnett St & Pin Oak St. in Calvert, Tx 77837, on June 3, 2023 at 10:30 am. The service will be followed by a luncheon at the Farmers to Market Coffee Company at 704 S. Main St., Calvert, Texas 77837.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on May 9, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Randolph Wheless

11 Entries

Cary Lipscomb Achuff

August 20, 2024

I would love to know where Alice Wheless is and how to stay in touch with Randy III and Leila. Randy´s mother Alice was my mother´s sister, Tooley Lipscomb as well as Catherine Lightfoot.
We have lost touch with family over the years and would love to be connected.
Alice Wheless, Randy´s mother, was the family archivist.

Woody Lesikar

January 20, 2024

There was no better Judge. Integrity, empathy, fair minded, exemplary and unwavering in doing the right thing for all. Heaven welcomes such a gentleman!
He is with our creator!

Woody Lesikar
West Houston Airport
Manager

Jim Herzberg

June 15, 2023

I clerked for Judge Wheless at the bankruptcy court from 1983 through 1985. I remember him as a very courteous, hard-working man of great integrity. I appreciate the opportunity he gave me and send my best wishes to his family.

Rev. Ross M Hooks III

June 3, 2023

It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to serve your family at this time in your loss...thank you for your generosity and know that you and your shall remain in our prayers!
God Bless,
Fran And Ross

Andrew Smith

May 31, 2023

I only knew Mr. Wheless about 15 years or so, but I was always impressed with his kindness and graciousness. In talking with him, I could tell he truly loved his wife and family. My heart and condolences go out to his family.

Rosemary

May 24, 2023

I began my clerkship with Judge Wheless in spring 1992. Even though he was as perplexed by me as I was with him, Judge Wheless offered me a second year. I respectfully accepted. He gave me some "special" assignments. Judge Wheless was fair-minded. He was open-minded. He was a bit offbeat. He expected all to be treated with respect. He was tough.
To those outside of the bankruptcy court staff, Judge Wheless was Randy. He was Randy when standing in line at the credit union. He was Randy riding the transfer bus from the courthouse to my parking garage. He wanted to ride the bus. The "courthouse" riders knew Randy. I think he really liked being Randy.
Thank you, sir, it was a great honor to serve as your law clerk.

Rhett Campbell

May 10, 2023

Judge Wheless was a good man, a fine lawyer and a good judge. I knew him professionally and appeared before him for many years. He handled the bankruptcy court during a difficult transition period and worked exceedingly hard to administer justice evenly and fairly. He was a good man and a good friend.

Joe R. Russo

May 10, 2023

Randy was a really good man. He loved UT and our
Kappa Sigma organization. Will not forget him.
Joe Russo

Tom Chmielewski

May 10, 2023

My condolences to Leila, Shug, Randy and all of the family. The Judge was such a kind man. I will always remember his mentoring advice to me when I was at Kinkaid and in college considering a career in law. He must have been a wonderful judge and mentor to many. I know he was a loving father to you all. A role model for all of us. Sincerely, Tom Chmielewski

Rosalind Pipes

May 9, 2023

I live down the street from Judge Wheless. We got to know each other when I would push my granddaughter in a stroller down Merwin about 10 years ago. We got to talking about lemon trees and I told him mine died. He said he grows them and one day he came to my house to bring me one. What a kind thing to do. We exchanged greetings from then on.
My condolences to the Wheless family. I know he will be missed.
Rosalind Pipes
neighbor

Ronnie Northrop

May 9, 2023

My sincere condolences to the Wheless family. Judge Wheless was a dear friend of my family and I have fond memories of the time we spent with all of you. I really enjoyed when he would break out his guitar when I was young. My prayers are with you all.

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