Official Obituary of William F. Wheatley, Jr. September 4, 1944 - September 20, 2024
.Obituary William Frank Wheatley, Jr
Mr. Wheatley passed away peacefully on September 19, 2024, while in VITA Hospice care in Philadelphia, from numerous health issues, the most recent being several severe strokes. He was 80 years old.
William was born in Wilmington, Delaware on September 4, 1944 to William F. Wheatley and Phyllis Belange. He attended Wm. Penn High School, graduating with the class of 1963. He Served honorably in the U.S. Army 1963-65, then transferred to the Army Reserve 1965-69. He lived in New York City 1964-77 working with several companies in collections, including Burlington Industries, then returned home to Delaware, working at the Crab Shack Restaurant 1978-82. From 1982-90 he was employed by Star Freight Systems, then Star Finance from 1990-96, followed by several other Delaware companies 1996-2005, after which a lung cancer fight led to his retirement. He fully recovered from that horrible battle.
He enjoyed gardening, cooking, crafts, opera, country and Jazz music. He loved all things involving the Delaware Beaches. He especially was dedicated to his dog, “Bubbles,” his cats “Smokey Bandit” and beloved “Happy.”
He is survived by his brother James E. Biddison and wife Elizabeth, as well as many nieces and nephews, plus wonderful caregivers, terrific neighbors and friends who provided him with abundant love and support. Preceding him in death are his sister, Lona Lee Wheatley, brother Robert H. Wheatley, mother Phyllis, step-father Geary E. Buddison and father William F. Wheatley.
He was proud to serve as Panel Maker for the “Names Project of North Central Delaware” and assisted in the Quilt Display in 1996 in Washington, DC, as well as participating in numerous fund raisers for fighting the AIDS virus in Delaware.
A small informal gathering honoring and remembering this remarkable man will take place at 2 PM on September 28, 2024, at the Old St. Georges Cemetery, in St. Georges, Delaware. He has specifically asked that there be no flowers, “having enjoyed them greatly in life, not in death,” but he would rather have the funds donated to the “Ryan White Foundation.” He will be greatly missed by those who loved him dearly.
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