Thomas “Tommy” Edison Wheeler, Sr., 87, or Grifton, NC, formerly of Roanoke Rapids passed away Thursday, July 11, 2019, at the North Carolina Veteran’s Home in Kinston, NC.

Tommy was born November 1, 1931 in Halifax County to the late Jesse Thomas Wheeler and Elizabeth Parks Wheeler.

Tommy was a member of Rosemary United Methodist Church and Grifton United Methodist Church.  He was an avid golfer, loved fishing, quail hunting, playing the guitar and watching old movies. Tommy retired from North Carolina Department of Corrections after twenty-eight years of service. Tommy also served his country in the U. S. Army during the Korean War.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Mae E. Wheeler of the home; his sons, Thomas Edison “Eddie” Wheeler, Jr. and his wife Debbie of Grifton and Bryan Everette Wheeler of Winterville; his grandson, Christopher Bryan Wheeler and his girlfriend Teri; and his great-grandson, Everett David Wheeler; his sister, Dorothy E. Wheeler; special niece, Leah Everette and numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at the North Carolina Veteran’s Home for their special care and attention.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 P.M. Sunday, July 14, 2019 in the chapel of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service with Rev. Richard Hill officiating. Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery with Military Honors. The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 3:30 P.M. at the funeral home prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Grifton United Methodist Church, PO Box 416, Grifton, NC 28530.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com