Pete met his first wife, Gertrude ‘Trudy’ Blay in 1951 while stationed in New York City. They were married for 63 years and had three children, James Edward, Karen and Liz. After Trudy’s death, Pete married his childhood sweetheart, Doris Mae Coward Wheeler in 2016 and moved to Searcy Arkansas where step-daughters Cherri Hogue and Denise Winter joined Pete’s family along with a plethora of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Pete was a member of the Bayside Masonic Lodge in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He was also a member of the College Church of Christ in Searcy, Arkansas; and a member of the 300 Club with his bowling team in Norfolk, Virginia.
Pete was preceded in death by wife Gertrude Blay Wheeler, mother, Vilena Benson Wheeler, and father General Jackson Wheeler along with 3 brothers (James Edward, Eric McVey and General Jackson Wheeler, Jr.) and 3 sisters (Mary Frances, Lena Ruth, and Jamie). Pete’s surviving family includes his wife, Doris Mae McInturff Coward Wheeler, children James Edward (Sharon), Karen Virginia and Elizabeth Adrienne (Barry Lawson), grandchildren Kristen Michelle, Jennifer Nicole, Zachary Kurtis Watson, step-daughters Cherri Cay Hogue (Gary), Doris Denise Winter (Jim), Susan Elizabeth Ferguson (Bob), step-granddaughter Debra Louise Dignam (Paul) and step-great grandson Freddie Jack Bowman.
Pete’s funeral service will take place on Thursday, July 27 at Altmeyer Funeral Home Southside Chapel (5033 Rouse Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462) starting at 10am with his burial immediately following at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
Donations can be made in Pete’s memory to Paragould Children’s Home in Paragould, Arkansas.
In the event that there are connectivity issues with the livestream during the service, a recording will be available after the service has concluded.
Rest in Peace Dear Pete. I always enjoyed the time I spent with you and our chats. You will always be in my heart and memories and forever remembered here in the UK. Love Debbie
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of Retired LCDR Harmon Eugene ‘Pete’ Wheeler, give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of ….
US Navy Veteran, Retired LCDR Harmon Eugene ‘Pete’ Wheeler, is “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †
He lived a long and interesting life. Many memories remain with us. Grateful for the lovely ladies he chose as wives and the children he helped raise,as they are wonderful humans. Wish we had all spent more time together.
So sorry for your loss Buddy. Obviously your dad was a very smart and successful person.
Wonderful obituary for Uncle Pete. Learned a great deal about the family. I did not know that Uncle Pete graduated from Judsonia High School. Also, never knew that Buddy was named after James Edward. My condolences to all my dear cousins and their families. Love you all.