Willie Lawrence Wheeler

December 27, 1938 - June 3, 2021

Mr. Wheeler was born December 27th, 1938 to Ernest Wheeler and Eunice Whittaker. He is one of 9 children. He grew up in Scotland Neck North Carolina and began working on a farm at 8 years old. After marrying the late Shirley Mae Smith and having two sons to support he then decided to leave the south and move to DC where he could get employment to support his family. He did a lot of odd jobs, sometimes even two until he met a man who offered him training as an Engineer in the DC government. At the time they were just letting African American workers in the government. Mr. Wheeler was the only one who completed his training and received his license that year. He later relocated his family to Southeast where he raised his family. By that time, he had six children, Shearin Lamont Wheeler, Jeffrey Wheeler, Victor Wheeler, Deborah Ann Wheeler, Darnell Wheeler and Carmilla Wheeler He later retired early from DCPS and enjoy a quiet life. He loved watching Sanford and Son reruns and hand dancing on YouTube. His favorite singers are Same Cooke and Soul stirrers. Mr. Wheeler loves working on cars and spending time with his granddaughter Sharina. He also had three grandchildren and two great grand kids who he loved very much.