Phillip Wheeler, age 75, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2024. He was born on January 4, 1949 to Mattie Wheeler in Butler Counter, AL. He graduated from Florala High School in 1968 and upon graduating joined the U.S. Army, where he proudly served for 22 years. During a tour in Germany he met the love his life, Ursula. The couple wed on May 11, 1976, and together they raised two children. Phillip bravely served in Operation Desert Storm before retiring in 1991 as a Sergeant First Class. Following his military service, he pursued a career as a carpenter for the remainder of his professional life. Phillip had a love for fishing, drag racing, and stock car racing. His passion for music was evident, and he often spent leisurely days discovering new recordings of his favorite songs. He enjoyed cooking and eating, particularly enjoying the dishes his mother used to make, as well as those made by Ursula, and even some of his own recipes.

Phillip is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Mattie Wheeler; brothers JB and Midas "Boo" Wheeler; and nephew Pat Helms.

He is survived by his wife, Ursula; daughter Torie and husband Tony; son Phillip and wife Tamia; grandchildren Izaiah and Emma; and his sisters and their families: Dawn and Ed, Felicia, Teresa and Johnny, Mickie and Paul, and Vickie. Phillip is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and his extended family in Germany, who considered him a brother. He found joy in simple pleasures, happiest when at home with his family, listening to music, watching old westerns, and going down Memory Lane telling stories of adventures with childhood friends and good times with family and loved ones. He could usually be found napping with his beloved dog KC, relaxing on the porch while visiting with anyone who happened to stop by, or on the porch quietly observing nature, accompanied only by his thoughts.

Funeral services for Phillip Wheeler will be 2PM Wednesday January 8, 2025, at Evans Funeral Home. Visitation will be 1 hour before services. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery with full military honors.