Sergeant First Class Stacey Antonio Wheeler

(Weldon-Fisher Funeral Home does not own the rights to this song)

In the early predawn hours of July 4, 2021, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ called to his beautiful kingdom my husband, my best friend Sergeant First Class Stacey Antonio Wheeler to rest in glory. He truly fought a courageous battle against his cancer but God knew his body needed a rest from labor.

Stacey came into this world on July 31, 1965 to Jesse and Goldie Wheeler. He was the oldest of 5 children, to his siblings he provided love, care, protection, guidance and a hero they could look up to. Stacey loved to spend time with his grandparents Phillip and Viola Jones.

Stacey was truly a family man, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, his daughters, nieces, nephews and teaching them different things. To them Pa Pa or Pops as some of his grandchildren called him was everything, they loved to ride in the truck with him, watch drag racing, car racing and action movies. He taught some of his nephew about how to work on cars, and he help his sisters-in-law work on their cars. Stacey had a unique humor which kept you laughing. He was always willing to help or inspire you to do better.

During High School Stacey decided to attend Red Rock Job Corps Center and received a High School Diploma from Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education at Harrisburg. After graduation from Job Corps Stacey made a major life decision to join the United States Army in October 1985.

He was attached to (11B) Infantry from October 1985 – June 1994. During that time he was assigned to Germany (1989-1992) After leaving the military he enlisted for the Army Reserves while serving in Reserves he attended CDS Tractor Trailer Training in Woodford, VA. He drove delivery for CVS, then he drove long haul tractor trailers up and down East Coast with his wife Tammy riding shot gun. After a few years of driving he went back to CDS Tractor Trailer Training as an instructor.

He decided to return to the U. S. Army to finish his career so in February 2008 he attended Warrior Transition Training in  Fort Sill, OK. He graduated from 88M AIT April 2008 from Fort Leonard Wood, MO.

He had assignments oversea in Korea in the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command as Driver/Transportation Coordinator for Installation Commanding General. While assigned to the 19th ESC he received a Coin of Excellence from Command Sergeant Major of the Army, CSM Preston while assigned as his driver, also he received a Coin of Excellence from Secretary of the Army Honorable Pete Geren in 2009. His last driving missions in 2009 was driving the CSM of the Marine Corps and 13 other Command Sergeant Majors in which he received 14 Coins of Excellence for a job well done. Before leaving 19th ESC he received 3 more Coins of Excellence from General Lobeto and CSM Connie.

His next assignment was to 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment Fort Hood, TX where he was a Squad Leader in 43D Combat Engineering Company (SAPPER). He deployed to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and OPERATION NEW DAWN where he drove over 15,000 combat miles hauling heavy construction equipment which resulted in zero incidents or accidents. When he returned to Fort Hood he continued to serve as a Squad Leader/Master Driver to 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment.

He was reassigned to Fort Campbell KY to 426th Combat Serve Support Company. He deployed once more, while excelling as both a Platoon Sergeant, and Convoy Commander while in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan. He was a Convoy Commander on over 30 Combat Logistical Patrols (CLPs) in Afghanistan, which resulted in zero casualties during several insurgent attacks (IED, Small Arms Fire-SAF, and complex attacks).

His next assignment was 580th Forward Support Company, 38th Field Artillery Regiment, Korea, He served as Section Sergeant and excelled as Truck Commander, while in support of 38th Field Artillery Regiment. His leadership capabilities allowed his soldiers to safely conduct missions throughout Korea, with no loss of life or injury.

Upon returning to state side he was reassigned to Fort Drum, NY 210th BSB returning to transportation.

Later assigned to Fort Sill, OK 2nd Battalion 18th FA Regiment In support of Korea Rotational Force Camp Casey, South Korea.

Then reassigned to Fort Belvoir, VA Soldier Recovery Unit (Jan 2021- July 4, 2021). He was seeking a Bachelor’s Degree. And he was given a companion puppy by the Army which the grandchildren and him named SGT Ace.

Some of his military training included Noncommissioned Officers Education System, Battle Staff, Noncommissioned Officer Course (11B),  Advanced Leader Course (88M),Drill Sergeant School, Air Assault, Transportation School, (M9 ASI, Master Driver Trainer Qualification.

Awards are Meritorious Service Medal (April 2021); Army Commendations Medal (7 OLC); Army Achievement Medal (12 OLC); Army Good Conduct Medal (5 Awards); The Honorably Order of Saint Christopher (2016); Order of the Spur 2nd SQD 3rd CAV (2011); Drill Sergeant Badge; Certificate of Appreciation ((COA) 12th); Expert Marksmanship Badge.

Stacey and Tammy had planned to return to Virginia and upon retiring he was going to return to his job at CDS training drivers. Stacey was highly respected by his peers and subordinates. His outstanding leadership capabilities, his attention to details and mission readiness made him a valuable asset to his unit. Stacey let his work speak for him. He believed in being proactive instead of reactive, always being ready for anything that came your way. His Legacy will forever live in everyone’s hearts.

He leaves to mourn his passing his loving and devoted wife, Tammy M. Wheeler; daughters, Lashea Kelly (Dervorn), Imari Wheeler, Breuana Childs; sons, Raymond Perrin, Kevin Williams; mother, Goldie Wheeler; father, Jesse Wheeler (Gloria); mother-in-law, Thelma Watson; grandchildren, Jerry, Nathaniel, Indya, Nehemiah, Razhonna, LaKaiah, Savon, Riele, Ke’Oni, Kavari, Khalil; sister, Shelva Wheeler; sisters-in-law, Connie Perrin, Selena Perrin, Teresa Hiddleston, Veronica Ellis (Anthony); brothers, Jeffrey “Red” Wheeler, Jesse Lumpkin (Cassandra); step-brother, Dwayne Lumpkin; brother-in-law, Jesse Perrin; great aunt, Pearl Holmes; great uncle, Bernard Ware; aunts, Gertrude Colter (Robert), Debbie Sayles, Dorathea Thomas (Johnny); uncles William Sayles (Portia), Micheal Sayles, Philip Jr. Jones (Joyce), Special Uncle Curtis Lee Jones (Clara), Kenny Jones, Larry Jones, Larry Samuals, Spencer White Jr., Samuel White, special cousins Kevin Jones (Sheila) and special cousin Silva George; Tim Anderson, his first and best friend he met when he moved to Fredericksburg as a child; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother Ryan Wheeler.

Funeral service for Stacey Wheeler will be held on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at 11AM at the First Baptist Church, 5340 Tidewater Trail, Loretto, Virginia.

Interment will follow in the Ware Family Cemetery, Corner Lane, Caret, Virginia.

Mr. Wheeler may be viewed on Monday, July 12, 2021 from 4PM until 6PM in the chapel of the WELDON-FISHER FUNERAL HOME and from 10AM until service time on Tuesday, at the First Baptist Church.

Please continue to follow CDC Guidelines, your continued support is greatly appreciated.

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