Wheeler B. Smith Jr.

Wheeler B. Smith, Jr., of Simpsonville, SC, passed away Sunday, December 28, 2025.
Born in Sumter, SC, he was the son of the late Wheeler B. Smith and Pearl Jayroe Smith.
Wheeler graduated from Edmunds High School in Sumter, SC, Class of '61, and later earned a degree in business administration from the University of South Carolina. While in school, he served in the Army Reserves in Company D, 1st Battalion, 321st Regiment, 108th Division (Training), receiving a COA for heroic action under pressure during a training exercise. Wheeler spent many great years working for Contel in AL, TN, and NC, ending his telecommunications career in Simpsonville, SC. He also enjoyed a second career in real estate, working for Dan Rigby Co. and Allen Tate Realtors, retiring in his 70s. He was absolutely beloved by everyone he worked with.
Wheeler was known for singing in the office; spending hours in the yard on his roses, azaleas, and vegetables (and winning Holly Trace Yard of the Month); playing cornhole, mini golf, and cards, crabbing, and jumping waves with the grandkids at Sunset Beach; eating boiled peanuts and his mama's cooking; drinking margaritas; watching Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concert; and most passionately, cheering for the Gamecocks women's basketball team. He was a jokester, he was affectionate and generous, he was the life of the party, he was our hero.
Wheeler is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Ann L. Smith; three daughters, Robyn Cumby (Bryan), Carrie Hall (Patrick Kosal), and Laura Alexander; two sisters, Adelaide Blocker and Jeri Williamson; seven grandchildren, Jonah Hall, Anleigh Hall, Colten Cumby, Ashlynn Cumby, James Cumby, Morgan Cumby, and Elijah Alexander; one great grandchild, Avery Cumby; and one special pup, Bella Rose.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Edith Vivian.
A visitation will be held Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Southeast followed by the memorial service at 4:00 p.m. The family invites everyone attending to wear garnet and black to the service.
Family and friends who are unable to attend the service can view the Livestream by clicking on the "WATCH EVENT" button located in the Services section.
Memorials may be made to the The Parkinson's Foundation or your local animal welfare organization.
Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Wheeler with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory." To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wheeler, please visit our floral store.