Sam Wheeler

Steffie "Sam" M. Wheeler, of Hixson, passed away on Friday, May 09, 2014 he died at home with family and friends. He was 89 years old. He was born April 27, 1925 in Spencer, N.C. to Steffie McKinley Wheeler Sr. and Alice Peacock Wheeler. Sam retried from Norfolk Southern Railroad, as a General Foreman, after almost 42 years. He was an active member of the Hixson Presbyterian Church. He was also a member of 50 years of the East Lake Masonic Lodge #698, the Chattanooga Scottish Rite, and the Alhambra Shrine. Sam was known for his sense of humor and love for the outdoors and sports. He was happiest when he was working in the yard, planting flowers and shrubs. Every summer, he kept his family and friends stocked with homegrown tomatoes, cucumbers, and other produce. In the winter, he spent most of the time in his workshop, making furniture, garden art, birdhouses, and other items that appear in his family members homes; he was the ultimate handy man. Sam was an avid golfer and sports enthusiast. His favorites were Tennessee football, ACC basketball, and Atlanta Braves baseball. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael Steven Wheeler; son-in-law, Rev. Henry M. Groseclose; one brother and two sisters. He is survived by a loving family: his wife of 32 years, Opal Cribbs Wheeler; daughter, Janice Wheeler Groseclose, Christine (Joe) Horne; daughter-in-law, Anne H. Wheeler and son Phil (Judy) Cribbs; seven grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m . today, May 12, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. A funeral service for Sam will follow at 1 p.m. today at the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Morgan Lusk and Josh Huff officiating. Burial will be in Hamilton Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Hixson Presbyterian Church building fund, 1005 Gadd Road, Hixson, TN 37343; Hearth Hospice 1800A Rossville Ave, Ste 7, Chattanooga, TN 37408; or the charity of your choice. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com. Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.