Bill Wheeler of Carrollton, Texas, was called to Heaven on Saturday, February 16, 2013. Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Monday, February 18, 2013 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the North Dallas Funeral Home, 2710 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch, Texas 75234. The memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm at Bent Tree Bible Fellowship, 4141 International Parkway, Carrollton, Texas 75007 on Tuesday, February 19, 2013. A graveside service will precede at 10:30 am at Ridgeview Memorial Park in Allen located on Central Expressway at Ridgeview Drive. Bill was born on November 30, 1947, to Gomer and Joretta Wheeler and grew up in McKinney where he was active in the Boy Scouts of America and various sports. Bill graduated from the University of Texas in Austin and started his career in the banking industry. He later became a CPA and worked for the Federal Home Loan Bank in Irving. Connie and Bill met early in his career and were married in August of 1985. Their children, Whitney and Clayton, were the highlight of his life, and one of his greatest passions was attending their every school event. Bill successfully battled esophageal cancer from 1999 - 2001 and several years later, retired from banking. During retirement he enjoyed volunteering at church, visiting his children at college in Abilene, and attending various musicals and concerts that came to town. Bill was a longtime faithful member of Bent Tree Bible Fellowship where he used his spiritual gifts serving on the financial team and helping with various technology ministries. He was passionate about history, trivia, and Rock & Roll music. Known by friends as "The Walking Encyclopedia", he didn't miss an opportunity to share facts. Books were his favorite past time and he was easily engaged in a conversation about the Civil War, Lincoln, or JFK. Bill's unique artistic talent was hidden to many but was manifested to friends and family through unique pencil drawings, calligraphy, graphic art, and photography. While known as quiet and reserved, those close to him will remember how he proudly wore Hawaiian shirts as well as blue suede shoes for special events. Bill never missed an opportunity to volunteer for school activities, and was "on call" to help his family fix the cars or assist with house projects. He was deeply loved and well known by his Lifegroup, who became his closest friends. Bill showed concern for others diagnosed with cancer and people struggling with serious illnesses. He enjoyed numerous snow skiing vacations with his family, and a comforting memory is their recent family trip to Colorado. Those left behind to cherish his memories are his wife Connie; daughter Whitney Wheeler Collins and husband John; and son Clayton Wheeler; aunt Ethel Mae Richardson of Bryan; cousins Jim Harp of Austin, Janet Kale and husband Tom of Lake Limestone; and Joanne Miller and husband Dan of Houston. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gomer and Joretta Wheeler.The family would like to express sincere appreciation to Bent Tree Bible Fellowship, their Life Group, and loving friends and neighbors for their support.In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to The Gideons International, Dallas North Camp, P.O. Box 113355, Carrollton, TX 75001 or Bent Tree Bible Fellowship, Benevolance Fund, 4141 International Parkway, Carrollton, TX 75007Please send the family condolences and sign the guest book on this site.