NILES "RICK" RICKEY WHEELER

Rick was called to his new home in heaven on July 18, 2018, passing at home peacefully in his sleep. The family will be holding a celebration of life service from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 30, 2018 at University Baptist Church, 4125 Riverview Ave., Middletown, Ohio 45042. Flowers, food, and any other contributions can be delivered to University Baptist Church – should anyone want to provide monetary donation please make that donation directly to University Baptist Church in appreciation for their love and support during the family’s great loss. Rick was born to Joseph and Eunice (Faulkner) Wheeler on November 28, 1947 in Danville, Virginia. He attended high school in Orlando, Florida and graduated from Woody’s Hairstyling Institute in Winter Park, Florida in 1967. Rick married his former partner Sharyn Lee Buchanan in 1968 and had two daughters Lisa Bowlin and Lori Nolan both of Middletown, Ohio. After separating from Sharyn in 1980 he resided in Atlanta, Georgia where he met and married the late Julie James Wheeler in 1981. Together Rick and Julie had two children Lyndsey (Jonathan) Edwards of Dallas, Georgia and Landon (Kendra) Wheeler of Dallas, Georgia. His children blessed him with twelve grandchildren: Joseph, Alyssa, Autym, Graci, Emme, Gradon, Aubrey, Demi, Jynsen, Jolie, Dayley and Drew. His grandchildren blessed him with three great-grandchildren, Ellie, Ebbie, and Joseph. Rick married his third and final wife, his “yobo”, Son-hi Wheeler in 1999. Rick is additionally survived by one sister, Debra Wheeler Ballentine of Carrollton, Georgia, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, family members and friends. Rick is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Kenneth Joseph Wheeler, niece Cindy Wheeler, niece Brandi Napier and one granddaughter, Drew Jocelyn Edwards. Rick was passionate about nutrition and fitness, winning multiple bodybuilding competitions at the young age of fifty-five. He was so passionate about fitness that he spent a few years of his life as a gym owner, helping many individuals reach their fitness goals. Rick enjoyed sales and spent most of his working years employed selling and installing pools. He spent his final working years as the floor manager at Argosy Casino (Lawrenceburg, Indiana) retiring in 2009. Rick spent a great deal of his early retirement traveling to South Korea to be with his wife and her family. His love for South Korea and the Asian culture was vast, he indulged in their cuisine here in the United States as often as possible. Most recently, Rick spent his retirement enjoying his family, watching the science fiction channel, sharing his stubborn opinions via debate, door dashing for food, and online shopping. Rick was loved more than his family could ever put into words and will be missed exponentially.

NILES "RICK" RICKEY WHEELER

November 28, 1947 - July 18, 2018