Terry Ray Wheeler

Terry Wheeler, 74, of Waco, passed away Friday, January 8, 2021 at Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center in Waco.

Graveside Service: 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 29, at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen Pastor Steve Moss of China Spring United Methodist Church officiating.

Terry began his life on October 10, 1946 in Pittsburgh, PA. He was born to Alice G & William Harry Wheeler. He has 3 brothers and three sisters! He lived in Pittsburgh until he enlisted in the Military in August of 1965. Terry served at several post before he was sent to Viet Nam in July 1967. While in Viet Nam, he was wounded in action & received the Purple Heart. Upon his return to the States in August 1968, he was stationed at FT Hood where he met and married the love of his life, Nelda Krohn. He stayed in the service until August of 1974 after a 2-year tour in Germany. He has two honorable discharges with many ribbons and badges.

Terry was preceded in death by his mother, Alice G. Wheeler and father, William Harry Wheeler; brothers, Bill Wheeler and Lynn Wheeler; as well as two sisters, Judy McGee and Madeline Marcink.

He is survived by his wife, Nelda Wheeler of 51 & 1/2 years; two children, Chrissie Duke and husband, Wes Duke of Arlington and son, Terry Wheeler Jr (T.J) and wife Deb, Wheeler of Round Rock; three grandchildren, Samantha (Sam) Bowers and fiancé, Craig Jones of Lewisville, Logan Bowers and wife, Kimberly of Huntsville and Sarah Wheeler of Round Rock; four great-grandchildren, Anastasia, Brayleigh, Casen Ray and Delilah Bowers all of Huntsville; his brother, Keith Wheeler and wife, Andrea of Huntsville, AL; his sister, Bonnie Dober of Pittsburgh, PA.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Terry was very proud of his military service. He was a Past Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 4077 as well as adjutant. He was also a member of the Viet Nam Veteran’s organization and the DVA Chapter.

Terry was a member of China Spring United Methodist Church for almost 11 years. Shortly after he started attending there, he signed up to be an usher. He loved his job as usher and became the head usher. He wanted to make everyone feel welcome and he felt it was his duty to give all the widows and single women their hug. When COVID hit, he had to quit giving out his hugs and he was very disappointed.

Terry and Nelda loved to travel. They had been to 49 states and two countries together. For their 45th wedding anniversary they made their dream trip to Alaska.

When Terry passed away January 8, 2021, a beautiful heart stopped beating but a beautiful soul winged his way to Heaven and God said, “Come in Son; we have been waiting for you!”

Place of Service: Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery , 11463 State Highway 195; Killeen, TX 76542-4945