CSM (Ret) Herman Ray Wheeler, Jr.

CSM (Ret) Herman Ray Wheeler, Jr., 75, of Salem, AL formerly of Anadarko, OK died on Saturday, July 05, 2025, while at Columbus Piedmont Midtown, Columbus, GA.

A Service of Remembrance with U. S. Army honors will be held at 11:00 AM (EST) on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery with Rev. Ricky Ward officiating according to Vance Brooks Funeral Home, Phenix City, AL.

CSM (Ret) Wheeler was born July 07, 1949, in Duncan, OK, son of the late Herman Ray Wheeler, Sr. and Marjorie Mae Bolton Wheeler. He served our country proudly in the U. S. Army. During his distinguished career, he served two tours in Vietnam. During his second tour he received shrapnel in his legs and back, earning him the Purple Heart. He was also awarded the Bronze Star. He served at Ft. Campbell, Ky as the DCSM for the Division before retiring. He also taught ROTC at Auburn University from 1971 – 1974. While he was a soldier for many years, he never forgot his wife or family. They were the center of his world.

After leaving the U. S. Army, he and his wife bought the Lake Martin Grocery Convenience Store in 1992 and ran it until 2003. During that time, they met so many people, some who became long-term friends. They also enjoyed traveling in their motor home exploring all of the wonders of our great country. He also enjoyed the football season as it was an opportunity to host family and friends for Auburn Football parties.

We will remember him as a patriot, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend.

Mr. Wheeler was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Marjorie Wheeler and two brothers, Ray Eugene Wheeler and Don Wheeler.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Ida McOsker Wheeler, Salem, AL; a daughter, Cymantha Irene Dickerson (Erik), AR and a son, Allen Wheeler (Amy), Opelika, AL; three sisters, Loretta Garmon (Gary), CA and Jeanie Gonsman (Mike), CA, and Emma Christian (CA); five grandchildren, Andrew Ray Wheeler (Cierra), Amelia Karlan Cook (Cody), Ginger Marie Seymore (Bo) Candice Ray Hillen, and Randy Dickerson; numerous great-grandchildren; several other family members and friends.