Bill Wheeler

Bill Wheeler, 75, went to be with our Lord, Thursday, December 1, 2016, at his home, surrounded by his family whom he loved very much. He was born to Dee and Olivia Wheeler, August 11, 1941, in Hagerman, NM. Bill had six sisters and one brother. Music was Bill’s first love. He began playing at a young age at high school dances. Bill was blessed to play with Roy Orbison. Over the years, he had his own bands, including the Pecos Valley Playboys. On June 7, 1963, Bill married the love of his life, Barbara. He was drafted into the United States Army where he proudly served his country as a Green Beret/Special Forces. He served two years in the Vietnam conflict. During his second tour in Vietnam, Bill was captured and held as a prisoner of war for a period of time. Despite the price Bill paid for his service, he once said he would do it all over again. When asked if he would do it again, knowing that he would be captured, he stated, “For my country, yes.” During his service, he received several medals, including: Vietnam Service Medal, two Purple Hearts, Distinguished Service Cross (Valor), Bronze Star, Silver Star, National Defense Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. Bill retired from the U.S. Army due to injuries sustained during his second tour. He was honorable discharged, holding the rank of SSG E6. Bill worked at Mazda of Roswell and later he had his own business, Bill’s TEXICO. He then went to ENMU Roswell campus, leaving there for a position at New Mexico Military Institute. During this time, he obtained a Bachelor Degree and finally retired. Bill was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #3187, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Disabled American Veterans. Proceeding Bill in death was his father, Dee Wheeler; mother, Olivia Ann Robertson Wheeler; sisters: Annie, Juanita (Sissy), Loreda (Weedie), and Dorothy (Dot); brother, Dewayne Wheeler; one son, David Lee Newsom. Those left to cherish Bill’s memory are his wife, Barbara Wheeler; son, Steven Newsom of Roswell; sisters: Evia Adams of Arvada, CO, and Johnnie Albrecht of Roswell; sister-in-law, Ruthie Baughman – or as he called her, “Sister” and husband, Bill Baughman; brother-in-law, Cecil Huddleston and wife, Linda of Dallas, TX; daughter-in-law (Daughter), Melissa Newsom of Roswell; three grandchildren: Robbie, C.J., and Chrysta Celena; great-grandson, David Luis; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Bill also leaves behind his beloved pets, Nikki and Spanki, who remained by his side until the end. At Bill’s request, he was to be cremated. Graveside services will be Thursday, December 8, 2016, 1:00 PM at South Park Cemetery, Roswell, NM. Tim Arlet will officiate his service. Those of you who knew Bill know that he preferred to keep his family life private, therefore, at his request, there will be no celebration of his life, or a gathering at his home after the graveside service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in made in Bill Wheeler’s name to the Wounded Warrior’s Project.The family would like to thank the Physicians and staff at Kymera Cancer Center and the staff at Gentiva Hospice. A special thank-you to Dr. Fundador Adajar.

Bill Wheeler

August 11, 1941 - December 1, 2016