Thomas Bruce Wheeler

Gunnery Seargent Thomas Bruce Wheeler, formerly of Carrollton, Missouri, passed away on February 3, 2023, at CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern, NC, after a heroic battle with cancer.

Thomas was born on March 14, 1955, in Carrollton, MO to Ruby Glen Wheeler and Pricilla Ann (Walden) Tapia.

He attended grade schools in Wakenda and Carrollton, MO graduating in 1972 from the Carrollton High School. Upon graduation, he entered the United States Marine Corps and was stationed at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC, and stayed through his career until his retirement on March 31, 1995.

Thomas married the love of his life Barbara Lockey on December 20, 1979, of Maysville, NC.

He is preceded in death by his father Ruby Glen Wheeler and mother Pricilla Ann (Walden) Tapia; paternal grandparents, Elmer and Pearl Wheeler; maternal grandparents, Gideon and Irma Walden; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Thomas is survived by his wife Barbara Wheeler of the home; sons; James Decker (Tina) of Maysville, NC, Brian Wheeler (Amanda) of Jacksonville, NC, Jeffery Wheeler (Alie) of Jacksonville, NC; daughter; Michelle Decker of Fayetteville, NC; grandchildren, Sage, Dakota, Brianna, Melody, Autumn, Chase, Logan, Wesley, Kyla, Tammy, Amilio, Julius, Kaylee and Cherokee; great-grandchildren, Darrell, Brantley, William and Hailey; brothers, Ted Wheeler and wife of the Philippines, Tim Wheeler of Brunswick, MO, Patrick Walden of Carrollton, MO, Michael Walden (Kim) of Malta Bend, MO and sister, Paulette (Don) Tooley of Hale, MO; several aunts, uncle's nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Thomas' Life will be held at 5:00 pm on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at White Oak Community Church, 6181 New Bern Highway, Maysville, NC, 28555. The family will be receiving friends one hour prior to the service, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the church.