Albert “Al” Newton Wheeler

Albert “Al” Newton Wheeler, a devoted follower of Christ, passed away on 8 July 2026, in Dallas, Texas. He was 84 years old.

Al was born 13 August 1941, in Dallas, Texas, to Joseph Malcolm and Dona Belle Sanders-Wheeler. He was the adored younger brother of Joanne, who he adored as well. This nuclear family, and his brother-in-law Donald Ray Smith, preceded Al in death. No doubt they are having a glorious reunion in Heaven.

He attended Highland Park schools and continued his education at Texas A&M College (later to become Texas A&M University) where he graduated in 1963 with a degree in Accounting.

While at Texas A&M Al proudly served in the Corps of Cadets. As a Senior he received the honor and distinction of being appointed Company Commander of Company E-2, the Reville

Company. Following college, as a commissioned officer, Al was stationed at Fort Polk in Louisiana, He attained the rank of First Lieutenant and received many other medals and awards. He served in Korea; but he didn't want to talk about it.

In 1983, Al married the love of his life, Judith Denison. Together Al and Judi built a life centered on Faith, Family, and Community. They humbly served with their church families in various capacities throughout the years. Al was also a member of Texas Baptist Men and a Gideon, which took him throughout and outside Texas sharing the saving grace of Jesus Christ. He was in other Civic and Social Clubs, either elected or appointed. He founded the Wood and Rains Counties A&M Club, which still meets today and awards scholarships to deserving seniors in those counties.

Al devoted the majority of his professional career as the owner of Wood County Equipment, a John Deere Company dealership, in Mineola, Texas. Al and Judi sold the company and retired in 2008. Too young to revel in retirement and woefully admitting to himself to the reality that there is life beyond golf, Al went back into the workforce. He joined the staff of Grand Saline Independent School District. He was a mentor and role model to students and staff over the next 10 years. He made many friends and was quick to share a story or cherished memory of the time he spent at GSISD.

Finally able to settle into his second retirement Al and Judi were blessed to enjoy traveling to many places in the United States and around the world. Be it together or with their companions, the Boettcher, Bruner, and Clapp families, it was always a wonderful adventure that was never long enough. Regarding the game of golf, Al was an avid player throughout his life. He would say some of his best games were played alongside his boys, the Annual Wheeler - Smith Golf Tournaments, and traveling throughout the Southeast during the summers with other dear family and friends, playing two courses daily on their tours.

Above all, Al was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a steady source of wisdom, encouragement, and quiet strength to those who knew him. May the life he lived, the love he showed and the memories that remain bring comfort to those who mourn this great man.

One of Al’s favorite passages of Scripture was John 15:13:

“Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

This verse reflected the way Al sought to live - with humility, service, sacrifice, and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.

Al is survived by his beloved wife Judi, his sons and their families Jon and Julie Wheeler, children, Peyton and Jonathan, Steve and Tara Wheeler, children, Finley and Max, and Jack and Andrea Wheeler, children, Jackson, Noah, and Nathan. And two nephews Don Smith and Joe Wheeler Smith, who he loved more as a brother would love his brother. There are many more nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces and extended family. Al loved them all and was grateful for the time he spent with them. Whether building gingerbread houses, coaching a sports team or serving up lunch at a soup kitchen Al was always in a happy place.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, 25 July, at Sand Flat Baptist Church, 4494 FM 857, Grand Saline, at 3 o’clock in the afternoon.

Al’s wishes were that there be no crying as “I am where my Savior is and where we will all see each other again”. He also requested no flowers be sent but if led to make a donation please prayerfully consider donating Gideon Bibles, to be distributed locally and around the world, as the Gideon’s continue to spread the Word to those in need of the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.