Robert Keith "Bob" Wheeler

Only one life 'twill soon be past; Only what is done for Christ will last." That quote hung on the wall of Bobby Wheeler's garage for over 50 years. It was more than a saying or decoration, it was how Bobby lived his life.
Robert Keith "Bob" Wheeler's one life came to pass on October 12, 2025 at 4:15am, reaching the age of 86. It was the life he lived for Christ that will leave a lasting legacy for his family, his friends, and anyone who met him.
Bob was born October 19, 1938, in Vonore, TN, to Robert and Ella Sue Starritt Wheeler. Bob, or "Lefty" as he was often called, was a true Vonore Blue Devil, He played softball and football for the Blue Devils, graduating with the class of 1957. Bob worked at Charles Dotson's filling station at the underpass in Vonore where he developed his lifelong passion for antique vehicles and first laid eyes on Shirley, the love of his life. After serving in the US Army, Bob returned to Monroe County where he worked at Loomis Packaging Company and later at Tennessee Packaging Company before retiring. Retirement did not suit him, and he worked for Sweetwater Valley Metal Products before finally retiring from Hunt Service Company to become a fulltime Poppy. During his years in Sweetwater he was once active in the Odd Fellows Lodge, served on the Sweetwater Utility Board for 24 years, held many positions at First Baptist Church, and after many years as a deacon at FBC he became a deacon emeritus in 2018.
He was preceded in death by the love of his life Shirley Faye Porter Wheeler, his parents Robert and Ella Sue Starritt, his daughter-in-law Anne Marie Wheeler, brothers Gerald, Ronald, Rex, and Mickey Wheeler, sister Susan Charleece (Cookie) Wheeler, sister-in-law Linda (Cookie) Wheeler, and brother-in-law Ted Porter.
He is survived by sons and daughter-in-law, Keith Wheeler, Kevin Wheeler, and Trish Wheeler. His beloved grandchildren Isaac (Danielle) Wheeler, Kellie Wheeler (Dylan Tumbleson), Ella (William) Barnett, Tyler Wheeler, Rob Wheeler (Alex Moffat), Mattie Wheeler, Kiya Shea Wheeler, and Grace Anne Wheeler. Great grandchildren that were the joy of his last years, Kash Wayne Tumbleson, Annie Mae Barnett, Bane Robert Tumbleson, and an extra Henley Elizabeth Coley. Brother Freddie Wheeler of Waco Texas, brother and sister-in- law Steve (Annette) Wheeler of Vonore, sisters-in-laws Betty Wheeler of Gatesville, Texas, Barbara McCammon of Vonore, and Margaret White of Vonore. He was loved and cherished his nieces Melissa Gray, Michelle Miller, Denise Bolinger, Kelly Wheeler, Charleece Wheeler, Lavonne Wheeler, Renee Leon, and Lisa Vineyard and nephews Mark Wheeler, Mitch Wheeler, and Matt Wheeler and all of their families. His like grandchildren and their families Jessica (Jamie) White, Betsy Burris, Jennifer (Jeremy) Cansler, and Rob (Stephannie) Burris.
He is also survived by innumerable children whose lives he and Shirley impacted. All of them calling him Poppy, because of the fierce and unconditional love he and Shirley provided, as though they were their own. He enjoyed helping many get their first jobs, buy their first cars, obtain their first loans, showed any who ask how to work on their vehicles, and left most with a lifelong nickname and all with a piece of his heart. When saying their name he would add Wheeler to the end, showing how loved they were and claiming them as his and Nana's.
The family will receive friends from 5-7pm at First Baptist Church Sweetwater. The funeral services will follow at 7pm with lifelong friend Rev. Tommy Glenn Self and his Sunday School teacher Deacon Phil Roy officiating. Interment will be at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday in the Vonore Methodist Church Cemetery in Vonore. Pallbearers will be: William Barnett, Connor Burris, Rob Burris, Ricky Richesin, Charlie Ritchie, Dylan Tumbleson, Kash Tumbleson, Isaac Wheeler, Rob Wheeler, and Kevin Williams. Honorary pallbearers are his longtime "car buddies".
The family request people drive their antique or oldest vehicle, especially for the interment processional. Apparel advertising your favorite antique vehicle, car show t-shirt, or brand of vehicle are welcomed to be worn as a sweet memory.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Finish the Vision program at First Baptist Church Sweetwater, First Presbyterian Church Sweetwater, or to the Shirley Wheeler piano fund at Tennessee Wesleyan University.