Robert Lee Wheeler

Robert Lee “Bob” Wheeler, age 92, of Waverly, TN passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026, at Humphreys County Care & Rehab. He was born on July 13, 1933, in Waverly, TN to Wylie and Elsie Hamilton Wheeler.

Bob graduated from Waverly Central High School in 1952 and, in August of that same year, married the love of his life, Ann Ruth McKnight of Murfreesboro, TN. Together they shared many years of marriage and raised three children: Richard Lee Wheeler, Steven Morris Wheeler, and Jane LeAnn Wheeler Polk.

Bob’s strong work ethic began at an early age. While attending high school, he played football, participated in the band and marching band, and worked full-time at the Greyhound Bus Station. Those qualities of dedication and determination remained with him throughout his life.

For 28 years, Bob owned and operated grocery stores in Waverly. In the late 1970s, he built the area’s first Save-A-Lot store. Through hard work, integrity, and a genuine love for people, he earned the respect and affection of his community. Bob took great pride in serving his customers and creating a welcoming environment for all who entered his stores. His generosity, kindness, and friendly spirit touched countless employees, customers, and friends.

Later in life, Bob began a new chapter alongside his wife, Ann, at Humphreys County Funeral Home. For 21 years, he served as a funeral home assistant, providing comfort and support to families during some of life’s most difficult moments. His compassion, professionalism, and caring nature left a lasting impression on all those he served.

Bob was deeply committed to his community. He faithfully served for many years as a deacon at Waverly Church of Christ, as a Waverly City Alderman for 20 years, and as a member of the Lions Club and the Humphreys County Historical Society, where he served as treasurer. One of his proudest accomplishments was helping establish the Veterans Memorial Park in Waverly, which was dedicated in May 2012.

An avid fisherman, Bob found great joy on the water with a fishing rod in hand, thermos of coffee nearby, and good friends by his side. The friendships he built, and the memories shared on countless fishing trips were among his greatest treasures. As with every fisherman, there was always one more story about “the big one that got away”.

Bob also had a passion for aviation. As a licensed pilot and owner of a small airplane, he found freedom and excitement in the skies. His love of flying reflected his adventurous spirit, confidence, and appreciation for life’s extraordinary moments. He especially enjoyed sharing those experiences with family and friends.

Bob will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, his devotion to family, his service to his community, and the kindness he extended to everyone he met. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Ann Ruth McKnight Wheeler; daughter, Jane LeAnn Wheeler Polk (David) of Dickson, TN; and grandchildren, Amy Wheeler Smalley (Michael), Julie Wheeler Parker (Ricky), Bradley Wheeler (Tifani), Brian Wheeler (Kerri), Ashlee Polk DesJardins (Patrick), Haylee Wheeler Norris (Aaron), and Brooklyn Polk.

He is also survived by his great grandchildren, Taylor Biggs (Chyann), Connor Smalley (Kacie), Noah Parker, Briar Smalley, Nate Parker, Steven Wheeler, Gabe Norris, Levi Norris, Carlee Parker, Emery Wheeler, Pierce DesJardins, and MacAllen DesJardins; and great, great grandson, Seth Biggs.

Bob is further survived by special nieces, nephews, and extended family members, Joy Smith, Pam LeMay, Rob McKnight, Aaron Spencer, Carolyn Harden, and Bettie Pirtle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wylie and Elsie Hamilton Wheeler; sons, Richard Lee Wheeler and Steven Morris Wheeler; grandson, Craig Wheeler; great granddaughter, Rylee Parker; brother, Charles Wheeler; sister, Evonne Wheeler Spencer; and brother-in-law, Dave Spencer.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00pm Thursday, June 25th and from 10:00am until service time Friday, June 26th at Humphreys County Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Mr. Bob will be conducted at 1:00pm Friday, June 26, 2026, from the Chapel of Humphreys County Funeral Home with Bro. Jeff Keele and Rob McKnight officiating.

Interment will follow in Richlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements entrusted to Humphreys County Funeral Home (931) 296-5955