Earl Wheeler

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Funeral services for Mr. Earl Edward Wheeler, age 81, will be held Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 1:00 pm in the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery. Bro. Herb Leftwich will officiate.

His family will receive friends Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Earl passed away peacefully on Friday June 5, 2026, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Born on August 16, 1944, in Jackson County, Tennessee, Earl lived a life marked by dedication, service, and an abiding love for his family and friends.

A graduate of Upperman High School's class of 1962, Earl proudly served his country in the United States Army. Following his military service, he devoted 30 years to working at the former McCord's factory in Cookeville, where his commitment and work ethic left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Earl had a great sense of humor that brought joy to those around him. He found immense happiness in playing golf and in devoting many hours to coaching Jr. Pro basketball. Earl also enjoyed participating in regular Wednesday bowling leagues and cherished the camaraderie of his regular breakfasts with friends at Bojangles.

Above all else, Earl’s proudest accomplishments were his grandchildren - Elizabeth (James) Fisher, Macy Wheeler, and Audrey, Anna, and Aaron Wheeler - to whom he was deeply devoted. His family was the center of his world, and he was blessed to share 60 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Trudy Swope Wheeler. He is also survived by his sons, Mark (Terri) Wheeler and Stephen (Tonia) Wheeler. In addition to his beloved family, he held a special place in his heart for Gunnar and Zach Netherton, whom he loved as grandsons.

Earl's life was enriched by lifelong friendships, including that of Richard Godsey, and the support of his brothers-in-law, Skip (Jean) Bartlett of Baxter and Dan (Ginny) Bartlett of Topeka, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Claud (Dorsie) Wheeler and Margaret Dedmon (Cordell) Brown.

Aaron Wheeler, James Fisher, Eric Moran, Greg Templeton, David Templeton, Gunnar Netherton and Zach Netherton will serve as pallbearers. His family also wishes to express their gratitude to the excellent care given to Earl by his Visiting Angel, Pat Denson.

Hooper, Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. Share memories and condolences at www.hhhfunerals.com.