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In Memory of

Wheeler III, William Louis

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Obituary
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Obituary of Wheeler III, William Louis

William Louis Wheeler, III, died at age 91 on June 30, 2021, in Dallas, Texas, his city of residence for over 50 years. Originally from New York City, Bill, as he was known to his friends, was born to William L. Wheeler, Jr., MD and Catherine (Kate) Jones Wheeler on April 21, 1930. He loved all forms of transportation, but the buses of NYC were his favorite and a major influence on his later career choice. He attended Friends Seminary in Manhattan, a private K-12 school, and pursued undergraduate studies in agricultural engineering at State University of New York (SUNY) in Morrisville, NY. When the Korean War intervened, he enlisted in the United States Navy, subsequently joining the ranks of the Seabees to continue with his interests in transportation and machinery. Serving from 1951 to 1957, Bill often remarked that his years in the Navy were some of the best of his life. While stationed at Headquarters Allied Forces Southern Europe (HAFSE) in Naples, Italy, he learned Italian, "dialetto Napolitan", and was always seeking opportunities to practice his Italian with friends and acquaintances of Italian extraction. His USN service also including a stint operating heavy construction equipment at the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba naval base. Upon his return stateside from Gitmo in October 1954, he was posted to Brooklyn Navy Yard, and was permitted to live at home in NYC.  At the Navy Yard, he was in charge of a small motor pool providing transportation for the US Navy Motion Picture Service. Another assignment was as rig operator and maintenance technician for a USN mobile dental clinic. This traveling treatment unit toured the 3rd Naval District to serve personnel at Naval Reserve training centers.   Although buses and transportation were his passion, roller skating was also high on his list. Bill skated from childhood, starting ca.1934 with strap-on skates, and continuing through adulthood after transitioning to figure skating footwear. He even built skates, crafting the mounting plates for wheel assemblies to be affixed to high quality boots for himself and other skaters.  He skated competitively for the Riverside Figure & Dance Club at Riverside Arena in Livonia, Michigan, where he met a talented figure skater.  As skating partners, they won the Michigan State Senior Dance championship in May 1961 in Grand Rapids, MI. Bill’s career at General Motors in the Truck & Coach Division began December 15, 1958. He remained with the company for 29 years, until GM closed its bus division in 1987, selling the manufacturing rights to the Rapid Transit Series (RTS) bus.  Bill then joined Transportation Manufacturing Corporation (TMC) in Field Sales and Service representing the RTS buses. He later branched out as an independent Bus Technical Consultant.  All told, he spent roughly 50 years in the bus business. Although he retired from paid employment, Bill never really left the bus industry and was frequently sought after for his knowledge of bus history, construction and insider information by fellow bus enthusiasts and historians; his knowledge was legendary and his written accounts were in demand for bus publications. Bill Wheeler was preceded in death by his father in 1969 and his mother in 2005. He is survived by his sister, Joanie Morgan, his two daughters Beverly Autrey and Margo Rye and their spouses, his adopted daughter Elaine Painter and son Michael Wheeler and their spouses, multiple grandchildren and one great-grandchild, as well as friends too numerous to count. He never met a stranger. Although his loss is felt deeply by family and friends, if Bill had it his way, he is now in that “Big Bus Garage in the Sky”, likely on roller skates. Funeral will be held at 11am on July 30, 2021 at the DFW National Cemetery (www.cem.va.gov).

Tribute Wall of Wheeler III, William Louis

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  1. Evan McCausland says:

    I am late to this news but am absolutely gutted. I’ve no idea how Bill managed to come across my contact information and learned I was a ‘bus nut’ but I’m forever glad he did – his conversations on GM coach history were plentiful and enthralling. Better yet, he always treated me like a dear old friend – even before we were able to meet in person – and extended the most gracious hospitality when I finally could make my way down to Texas. Bill, I miss being able to call you up and gab shoot the breeze about bus things everyone else thinks I’m crazy for wanting to learn about. Thank you for taking me under your wing, old friend – hope you’re raising cain in that service garage in the sky.

    Evan McCausland

    Friday January 27, 2023

    I am late to this news but am absolutely gutted. I've no idea how Bill managed to come across my contact information and learned I was a 'bus nut' but I'm forever glad he did - his conversations on GM coach history were plentiful and enthralling. Better yet, he always treated me like a dear old friend - even before we were able to meet in person - and extended the most gracious hospitality when I finally could make my way down to Texas. Bill, I miss being able to call you up and gab shoot the breeze about bus things everyone else thinks I'm crazy for wanting to learn about. Thank you for taking me under your wing, old friend - hope you're raising cain in that service garage in the sky.

  2. Dale Hohler says:

    Margo……I waited too long to submit my thoughts and today the site would not accept my thoughts. Apologies for my taking so long. He was a treat indeed and I miss him greatly. All the best. Dale

    Dale Hohler

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Margo......I waited too long to submit my thoughts and today the site would not accept my thoughts. Apologies for my taking so long. He was a treat indeed and I miss him greatly. All the best. Dale

  3. Dale Hohler says:

    Margo & Beverly …..I know I don’t need to share the obvious but your Daddy was a real treat. I met many folks during my 40+ years in the Bus Industry but few characters I enjoyed as much. Even in the heat of summer I thought it was more important to spend time with Bill instead trying to squeeze in one more sales call before I flew back to Ohio. It was time well spent and will always be treasured. He was a great friend ,mentor and historian and is missed greatly.

    Dale Hohler

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Margo & Beverly .....I know I don't need to share the obvious but your Daddy was a real treat. I met many folks during my 40+ years in the Bus Industry but few characters I enjoyed as much. Even in the heat of summer I thought it was more important to spend time with Bill instead trying to squeeze in one more sales call before I flew back to Ohio. It was time well spent and will always be treasured. He was a great friend ,mentor and historian and is missed greatly.

  4. Janine Bradford says:

    I love you always and forever Bill.

    Janine Bradford

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    I love you always and forever Bill.

  5. Tundra Nicolas says:

    Margo and family please receive my heartfelt condolences and prayers in the loss of your Dad. I know how much you loved and cared for him. Be encouraged! You were always right there when he needed you! Prayers for the famil

    Tundra Nicolas

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Margo and family please receive my heartfelt condolences and prayers in the loss of your Dad. I know how much you loved and cared for him. Be encouraged! You were always right there when he needed you! Prayers for the famil

  6. Sharla Taylor says:

    Margo so sorry to hear of your loss. May God grant you & your family comfort.

    Sharla Taylor

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Margo so sorry to hear of your loss. May God grant you & your family comfort.

  7. Elaine Shaw says:

    We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We met Mr. Wheeler at Margo’s wedding when my husband Cliff performed the ceremony. He was a very kind man and one who was delighted and proud of his daughter that day.

    Elaine Shaw

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We met Mr. Wheeler at Margo’s wedding when my husband Cliff performed the ceremony. He was a very kind man and one who was delighted and proud of his daughter that day.

  8. Rebecca and Dennis Bilbrey says:

    Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to Margo Rye and family. Praying for peace and comfort to all those that loved and will miss this wonderful man.

    Rebecca and Dennis Bilbrey

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to Margo Rye and family. Praying for peace and comfort to all those that loved and will miss this wonderful man.

  9. Bruce & Cecilia de Pickles says:

    Beverly, Bryan and family. We enjoyed being with Bill on a couple of occasions. We can see his important legacy in your family of fact finding and
    truthfulness all while having fun. Great qualities! HUGS to all. May our GOD the Holy Spirit fill the void left by Bill with fond memories.

    Bruce & Cecilia de Pickles

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Beverly, Bryan and family. We enjoyed being with Bill on a couple of occasions. We can see his important legacy in your family of fact finding and
    truthfulness all while having fun. Great qualities! HUGS to all. May our GOD the Holy Spirit fill the void left by Bill with fond memories.

  10. Lorretta Brown says:

    Condolences to Margo Rye and family. May God’s love provide you with strength and peace.

    Lorretta Brown

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Condolences to Margo Rye and family. May God's love provide you with strength and peace.

  11. Tim Logan says:

    The first time I spoke with Bill Wheeler 21 years ago he hollered at me because I didn’t call him back fast enough from the message he left for me. He then proceeded to tell me everything wrong with the 1958 GM bus I had purchased which coincidentally was the same years he started working for GM Coach. And then we proceeded to become best buddies.
    A legend develops when someone is known so well that stories are told and retold over the course of time, and that legend develops. Billy was a legend. Known all across the country for his bus wisdom and also his snarky and sassy personality.
    Bill Wheeler became a legend in his own time. And his legend will live forever. In our hearts, in our minds, in our lives, and in our memories. Forever.
    We will be going about our daily affairs, not particularly thinking about Billy, when suddenly, out of no where he will appear. I believe that especially will be true for his family but for the rest of us as well. He will be there for us for a long time.
    So Billy I thank you for the gift of 21 years of friendship. For the stories, and the episodes, and the memories, that each of us have in our own special way. And I wish blessings upon his family. We all will miss you.

    Tim Logan

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    The first time I spoke with Bill Wheeler 21 years ago he hollered at me because I didn’t call him back fast enough from the message he left for me. He then proceeded to tell me everything wrong with the 1958 GM bus I had purchased which coincidentally was the same years he started working for GM Coach. And then we proceeded to become best buddies.
    A legend develops when someone is known so well that stories are told and retold over the course of time, and that legend develops. Billy was a legend. Known all across the country for his bus wisdom and also his snarky and sassy personality.
    Bill Wheeler became a legend in his own time. And his legend will live forever. In our hearts, in our minds, in our lives, and in our memories. Forever.
    We will be going about our daily affairs, not particularly thinking about Billy, when suddenly, out of no where he will appear. I believe that especially will be true for his family but for the rest of us as well. He will be there for us for a long time.
    So Billy I thank you for the gift of 21 years of friendship. For the stories, and the episodes, and the memories, that each of us have in our own special way. And I wish blessings upon his family. We all will miss you.

  12. A. Wheeler says:

    Bill served his country from 1951 to 1957, 6 years, in the US Navy.

    A. Wheeler

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Bill served his country from 1951 to 1957, 6 years, in the US Navy.

12 thoughts on “Wheeler III, William Louis”

  1. Evan McCausland

    I am late to this news but am absolutely gutted. I’ve no idea how Bill managed to come across my contact information and learned I was a ‘bus nut’ but I’m forever glad he did – his conversations on GM coach history were plentiful and enthralling. Better yet, he always treated me like a dear old friend – even before we were able to meet in person – and extended the most gracious hospitality when I finally could make my way down to Texas. Bill, I miss being able to call you up and gab shoot the breeze about bus things everyone else thinks I’m crazy for wanting to learn about. Thank you for taking me under your wing, old friend – hope you’re raising cain in that service garage in the sky.

    Evan McCausland

    Friday January 27, 2023

    I am late to this news but am absolutely gutted. I've no idea how Bill managed to come across my contact information and learned I was a 'bus nut' but I'm forever glad he did - his conversations on GM coach history were plentiful and enthralling. Better yet, he always treated me like a dear old friend - even before we were able to meet in person - and extended the most gracious hospitality when I finally could make my way down to Texas. Bill, I miss being able to call you up and gab shoot the breeze about bus things everyone else thinks I'm crazy for wanting to learn about. Thank you for taking me under your wing, old friend - hope you're raising cain in that service garage in the sky.

  2. Margo……I waited too long to submit my thoughts and today the site would not accept my thoughts. Apologies for my taking so long. He was a treat indeed and I miss him greatly. All the best. Dale

    Dale Hohler

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Margo......I waited too long to submit my thoughts and today the site would not accept my thoughts. Apologies for my taking so long. He was a treat indeed and I miss him greatly. All the best. Dale

  3. Margo & Beverly …..I know I don’t need to share the obvious but your Daddy was a real treat. I met many folks during my 40+ years in the Bus Industry but few characters I enjoyed as much. Even in the heat of summer I thought it was more important to spend time with Bill instead trying to squeeze in one more sales call before I flew back to Ohio. It was time well spent and will always be treasured. He was a great friend ,mentor and historian and is missed greatly.

    Dale Hohler

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Margo & Beverly .....I know I don't need to share the obvious but your Daddy was a real treat. I met many folks during my 40+ years in the Bus Industry but few characters I enjoyed as much. Even in the heat of summer I thought it was more important to spend time with Bill instead trying to squeeze in one more sales call before I flew back to Ohio. It was time well spent and will always be treasured. He was a great friend ,mentor and historian and is missed greatly.

  4. I love you always and forever Bill.

    Janine Bradford

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    I love you always and forever Bill.

  5. Margo and family please receive my heartfelt condolences and prayers in the loss of your Dad. I know how much you loved and cared for him. Be encouraged! You were always right there when he needed you! Prayers for the famil

    Tundra Nicolas

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Margo and family please receive my heartfelt condolences and prayers in the loss of your Dad. I know how much you loved and cared for him. Be encouraged! You were always right there when he needed you! Prayers for the famil

  6. Margo so sorry to hear of your loss. May God grant you & your family comfort.

    Sharla Taylor

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Margo so sorry to hear of your loss. May God grant you & your family comfort.

  7. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We met Mr. Wheeler at Margo’s wedding when my husband Cliff performed the ceremony. He was a very kind man and one who was delighted and proud of his daughter that day.

    Elaine Shaw

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We met Mr. Wheeler at Margo’s wedding when my husband Cliff performed the ceremony. He was a very kind man and one who was delighted and proud of his daughter that day.

  8. Rebecca and Dennis Bilbrey

    Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to Margo Rye and family. Praying for peace and comfort to all those that loved and will miss this wonderful man.

    Rebecca and Dennis Bilbrey

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to Margo Rye and family. Praying for peace and comfort to all those that loved and will miss this wonderful man.

  9. Bruce & Cecilia de Pickles

    Beverly, Bryan and family. We enjoyed being with Bill on a couple of occasions. We can see his important legacy in your family of fact finding and
    truthfulness all while having fun. Great qualities! HUGS to all. May our GOD the Holy Spirit fill the void left by Bill with fond memories.

    Bruce & Cecilia de Pickles

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Beverly, Bryan and family. We enjoyed being with Bill on a couple of occasions. We can see his important legacy in your family of fact finding and
    truthfulness all while having fun. Great qualities! HUGS to all. May our GOD the Holy Spirit fill the void left by Bill with fond memories.

  10. Condolences to Margo Rye and family. May God’s love provide you with strength and peace.

    Lorretta Brown

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Condolences to Margo Rye and family. May God's love provide you with strength and peace.

  11. The first time I spoke with Bill Wheeler 21 years ago he hollered at me because I didn’t call him back fast enough from the message he left for me. He then proceeded to tell me everything wrong with the 1958 GM bus I had purchased which coincidentally was the same years he started working for GM Coach. And then we proceeded to become best buddies.
    A legend develops when someone is known so well that stories are told and retold over the course of time, and that legend develops. Billy was a legend. Known all across the country for his bus wisdom and also his snarky and sassy personality.
    Bill Wheeler became a legend in his own time. And his legend will live forever. In our hearts, in our minds, in our lives, and in our memories. Forever.
    We will be going about our daily affairs, not particularly thinking about Billy, when suddenly, out of no where he will appear. I believe that especially will be true for his family but for the rest of us as well. He will be there for us for a long time.
    So Billy I thank you for the gift of 21 years of friendship. For the stories, and the episodes, and the memories, that each of us have in our own special way. And I wish blessings upon his family. We all will miss you.

    Tim Logan

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    The first time I spoke with Bill Wheeler 21 years ago he hollered at me because I didn’t call him back fast enough from the message he left for me. He then proceeded to tell me everything wrong with the 1958 GM bus I had purchased which coincidentally was the same years he started working for GM Coach. And then we proceeded to become best buddies.
    A legend develops when someone is known so well that stories are told and retold over the course of time, and that legend develops. Billy was a legend. Known all across the country for his bus wisdom and also his snarky and sassy personality.
    Bill Wheeler became a legend in his own time. And his legend will live forever. In our hearts, in our minds, in our lives, and in our memories. Forever.
    We will be going about our daily affairs, not particularly thinking about Billy, when suddenly, out of no where he will appear. I believe that especially will be true for his family but for the rest of us as well. He will be there for us for a long time.
    So Billy I thank you for the gift of 21 years of friendship. For the stories, and the episodes, and the memories, that each of us have in our own special way. And I wish blessings upon his family. We all will miss you.

  12. Bill served his country from 1951 to 1957, 6 years, in the US Navy.

    A. Wheeler

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Bill served his country from 1951 to 1957, 6 years, in the US Navy.

Leave a Reply

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The maximum upload file size: 100 MB. You can upload: image. Drop files here