BORN

1925

DIED

2014

Steffie "Sam" Wheeler Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 9, 2014.

Steffie "Sam" M. Wheeler, of Hixson, passed away on Friday, May 09, 2014 he died at home with family and friends. He was 89 years old.

He was born April 27, 1925 in Spencer, North Carolina to Steffie McKinley Wheeler, Sr. and Alice Peacock Wheeler.

Sam retried from Norfolk Southern Railroad, as a General Foreman, after almost 42 years. He was an active member of the Hixson Presbyterian Church. He was also a member of 50 years of the East Lake Masonic Lodge #698, the Chattanooga Scottish Rite, and the Alhambra Shrine.

Sam was known for his sense of humor and love for the outdoors and sports. He was happiest when he was working in the yard, planting flowers and shrubs. Every summer, he kept his family and friends stocked with homegrown tomatoes, cucumbers, and other produce. In the winter, he spent most of the time in his workshop, making furniture, garden art, birdhouses, and other items that appear in his family members' homes; he was the ultimate handy man. Sam was an avid golfer and sports enthusiast. His favorites were Tennessee football, ACC basketball, and Atlanta Braves baseball.

He is preceded in death by his parents, son Michael Steven Wheeler, son-in-law Rev. Henry M. Groseclose, one brother, and two sisters.

He is survived by a loving family: his wife of 32 years, Opal Cribbs Wheeler, daughter Janice Wheeler Groseclose, Christine (Joe) Horne, daughter-in-law Anne H. Wheeler, and son Phil (Judy) Cribbs, seven grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 11 am to 1 pm on Monday, May 12, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.

A funeral service for Sam will follow at 1 pm on Monday at the funeral home chapel with Reverend Morgan Lusk and Josh Huff officiating. Burial will be in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Hixson Presbyterian Church building fund, 1005 Gadd Road, Hixson, TN 37343; Hearth Hospice 1800A Rossville Ave, Ste 7, Chattanooga, TN 37408; or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Steffie "Sam" Wheeler

What is your first memory of Steffie "Sam"?

Share a favorite memory you have of Steffie "Sam".

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Steffie "Sam".

Describe a time when Steffie "Sam" made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Steffie "Sam"?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Steffie "Sam".

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Steffie "Sam".

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Steffie "Sam".

What is something you learned from Steffie "Sam"?

Not sure what to say?

2 Entries

May 19, 2014

Janice, you have our sincere sympathy for your loss.
Bill Dietzen

May 16, 2014

Janice,
Robert sent me your dad's obituary...I am so sorry for your loss. I'm sure it is a difficult time for you. Just know I am thinking of you. I remember your dad always smiling, very friendly to all of us kids on Premium Drive. That takes me back, and you and you family are a major part of those memories. God bless.You are in my heart. Love, Liz Petty

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in Steffie "Sam" Wheeler's name

Memorial Events
for Steffie "Sam" Wheeler

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Steffie "Sam"'s loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Steffie "Sam" Wheeler's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more