CARROLLTON—Vernon Lee Wheeler, 79, died Dec. 30, 2007, after a brief illness.

Mr. Wheeler was a native of Northampton County, N.C., and lived in Isle of Wight most of his life. He was a member of Battery Park Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon. He was a member of the Smithfield Masonic Lodge #18 for 58 years and the Local Union #613 Brotherhood & Joiners for 40 years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, William Wheeler, Raymond Wheeler and John Paul Wheeler.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Ethel T. Wheeler; daughter, Trudy Settles and husband Dennis; sons, Jerry Wheeler and companion Darlene Bergstrom, Michael Wheeler, Larry Wheeler and wife Theresa and Bernell Wheeler; brothers, Grady M. Wheeler and Magnus H. Wheeler Jr.; sisters, Helen Marie Story, Nellie Mae Williams, Mary Virginia Jenkins and Betty Louise Ropelewski; 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

A Life Celebration Service will be held at 2 p.m. today in Colonial Funeral Home with the Rev. Alan Hogge officiating.

Burial will follow at St. Luke’s Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Carrollton Volunteer Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 77, Carrollton, VA 23314.

Arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, Smithfield.