Article Number : 1459 |
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| Date | 11/1/2006 9:25:52 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=1459 |
| Abstract | Orlando, Fla.—Homer Wheeler, whose greatest achievement during a 50-plus year career in the floor covering industry was the founding of the full-line distributorship Wheeler Inc., in 1975, passed away on Sept. 20. He was 84... |
| Article | Orlando, Fla.—Homer Wheeler, whose greatest achievement during a 50-plus year career in the floor covering industry was the founding of the full-line distributorship Wheeler Inc., in 1975, passed away on Sept. 20. He was 84. Born in Cordele, Ga., in 1922, Wheeler graduated from Cordele (Ga.) High School and then went on to serve in the United States Coast Guard during WWII. He began his floor covering industry career in the New York/New Jersey market with distributor O.F. Rubrecht Co. as a territory salesman selling the Congoleum line. He eventually returned with his family southward and settled in Orlando, Fla., in 1957 to become the branch manager and salesman for distributor F.T. Kelly Co. Wheeler became well known during his 18 years at Kelly selling Congoleum, Magee Carpet and carpet cushion. Subsequently, many of his peers referred to him as the “Pad King.” In 1975 he started his own flooring distribution company, known today as Wheeler Inc. “Wheeler Inc. has been his greatest achievement during his floor covering career spanning more than 50 years,” said his son, Scott. “He especially loved spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed.” He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Norma T. Wheeler; daughter, Bonnie Davis and her husband, Bob, son, Scott H. Wheeler and wife, Jackie; grandchildren, Kaleigh Wheeler, Clay Wheeler, Madison Wheeler, Lindsey Davis and Ashley Davis, and one great grandchild, Aiden. Both Scott and Bonnie continue to own and operate Wheeler Inc. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 279 Douglas Avenue, Suite #1108, Altamonte Springs, Fla. 32714. |