Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Ralph Morton Wheeler died on January 10, 2024, at Tryon Estates in Columbus, NC.

Ralph was born in Ambrose, North Dakota in 1933. He was the son of Walter and Martha Wheeler of Minot, North Dakota. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Robert Wheeler.

Ralph is survived by Jackie Wheeler, his loving wife for 62 years. His memory will forever be cherished by his three children – Stuart Wheeler and wife Gretchen of Mount Pleasant, NC, Alyson Higgins and husband Erik of Mount Holly, NC, and Kevin Wheeler and wife Cory of San Diego, CA. He was the proud grandfather of three grandchildren.

After growing up in Minot, Ralph graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He and Jackie met and married in the Washington DC area. They raised their family in San Diego, CA. After retirement, they moved to northern Virginia, built a home, and enjoyed many years of gardening, volunteer activities, and traveling in Europe and all 50 US states.

Ralph was an avid golfer, but tennis and pickleball were his favorite sports. In 1971 he fulfilled a dream of becoming a pilot with an instructor’s rating and found flying in good weather a rewarding hobby.

Ralph and Jackie moved to Tryon Estates in Columbus, NC in December of 2015 and enjoyed being near the Blue Ridge mountains where they spent much time during their marriage.

Honoring Ralph’s wishes, there will be no service. The family will gather for a time of remembrance and love. Ralph’s unwavering love and kindness is his legacy and lives on through the memories he leaves us all. May he rest in eternal peace.

 

Petty Funeral Home 

Landrum