Reverend Harry Alexander Wheeler was born on January 8, 1949, in Akron, Ohio to the late Eugene and Eunice Wheeler. Harry was one of four children and was a twin.

His early life at 1235 Bittaker St. was that of family gatherings and lots of family time.  Because the family yard was large, many of the extended family members would come over for food and fun with cousins, aunts, uncles, and neighbors.

Harry received his formal education from Akron Public Schools, Robinson Elementary, Goodyear Junior High, and East High School.  At East High, Harry was on the basketball team that achieved state championship status.

After graduation from high school, he joined the Marine branch of the military. He did a tour in Vietnam while serving. After the military, He was employed by Roadway as a dispatcher, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company as a policeman, and the University of Akron as a police officer and as a manager for “Special Parking Projects.” He retired from the university after being employed for over 30 years.

Reverend Harry received and accepted his call into ministry in the early 1970s at Phillips Chapel CME Church under the leadership of Reverend I.C. Freeman. Reverend Harry served as associate minister for many years before being called to pastor. His first charge was Central Mission CME in Pennsylvania. By the end of his pastorate, the church had gained enough status to eliminate the “mission” from its name and become a fully functioning church. He would subsequently pastor other churches in West Virginia, Ohio, and other parts of Pennsylvania.

Later in his ministry, Reverend Harry attended Malone College where he studied and achieved a degree in religious studies. He always had a “servant’s heart” as he worked out his calling. He would serve as if unto the Lord.  Harry kept his focus knowing that one day he would hear: “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”

On December 1, 1973, Reverend Harry married Sheryl Humphrey and to this union were born 3 children. He was a family man and loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Known to them as “Daddy,” or “Papa,” Harry took time with his family to go on one tank trips for quality time but also to sightsee and look at luxury cars.  On some occasions, he did more than just “look.” Family time at the Wheeler’s included trips to the Starlight Drive-in Theatre, watching karate movies at home and listening to jazz, gospel, and on occasion classical music.

Harry loved to travel, and he loved shopping for men’s attire.  One of his most noteworthy travels, was when he was able to take an Alaskan cruise.  In addition to traveling, Harry would take his kids to the shooting range where he practiced and taught them about gun safety.

Harry won a medal for being the 1983 Bullseye Champion in the Ohio Policeman’s Olympics. He also loved to shoot pool with his son Harry II.

Like most parents, he advised his children with Godly wisdom about life’s trials and concerns. However, he would allow them on occasion to do it their way and then afterward would ask them “now what did you learn?” Daddy was usually right, but we had to find out for ourselves.

He remained faithful to his first wife, Sheryl, until her passing in 2015.  On May 23, 2020, He joined in marriage to Reverend Dr. Deborah Watkins.  Although their time was very short, Reverend Harry and Reverend Dr. Deborah Watkins were able to share some good times together. To quote Benjamin Franklin: “A long life may not be good enough, but a good life is long enough.”

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sheryl Humphrey Wheeler;  Parents, Eugene and Eunice Wheeler; father-In-law, Roy Humphrey; mother-in-law, Johnnie M. Curry; twin brother, Larry Wheeler; sister, Eugenia Burney; grandmother, Annie Alexander (Bigma).

Harry’s Legacy and love for life will always be cherished by his loving wife Dr. Deborah Wheeler; children, Stephanie D. Wheeler, Harry A. Wheeler II, Tiffanie D. Wheeler; grandsons, James (Shamika) D. M. Pullum, Patrick D. Pullum, Christian D. Wheeler, and Shaun  A. Wheeler; granddaughters, Taylor D. Wheeler, Patience R. Flowers, Taryyn A. Worthy, and Alexandra Sheryl Marie Wheeler; great-grandchildren, Blake D. Pullum, Jocelyn P. Pullum, Italy Pullum, Paige Pullum, Christian Wheeler, Jr., Acacia Coleman, and Kenleigh Pullum; sister, Annie Ruth Wheeler; brothers-in-law, Roy and Dallas Humphrey; sisters-in-law, Betina, Lisa, and Maria Humphrey; stepsons, Theodis Watkins, Jr., and William H. Watkins; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.