On Monday, August 22, 2022, Commander Quentin Gregory Wheeler, loyal and faithful warrior for family, friends, and country, passed away at the age of 62.

Quentin was born on April 25, 1960, in Winston Salem, NC, to Oliver Wheeler, Sr. and Wilma Hairston Wheeler. He was the youngest of three children. Growing up, he enjoyed playing basketball and had an early passion for aeronautics, a byproduct of living in close proximity to the local airport.  He was known as being "sweet and crazy". This trend would continue into college, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. That degree would lead him to work at NAVAIR  - Naval Air Systems Command, igniting the flame that would later commence his Naval career.

While at NAVAIR, with a little inspiration from Top Gun and his childhood love of aviation, he decided to pursue his dream to become a United States Naval Aviator. He honorably served and protected this country during the Gulf and Iraq Wars, while also earning a Master of Science in Information Technology Management. Quentin had a long and decorated career in the Navy involving many high-level and covert assignments, highlighted by his receipt of the Meritorious Service Medal, the third most prestigious award presented by the Department of Defense.  Quentin received the medal for "Exceptionally Meritorious Achievement" as Chief of Combat Operations, Combat Operations Division, Combined Air Operations Center, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, This award was conferred for his astute decision-making skills and dynamic leadership of a 135-person combined forces team in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, and Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.  He also received the following awards detailed below:  Navy Commendation Medal (5), Navy Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2), Sea Service Medal Deployment Ribbon (5), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Star, Navy "E" Ribbon (3), Expert Pistol Medal, Rifle Sharpshooter, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Coast Guard Meritorious Unit.

After retiring from the military, he pursued other passions, one such opportunity included becoming a Producer in Gaming at Disney Interactive Studios. He eventually moved back to North Carolina and reconnected with his childhood friend, Sheila Dawson.  Sheila and Quentin were married on June 7, 2008. They enjoyed hosting parties, listening to jazz, and caring for their dogs Kobe, Mariah, and Thanos. During this time, Quentin would go on to work for the Department of Veteran Affairs and start his second flying career from the ground, this time with his business, Applied Drone Systems. He would also join a lifelong brotherhood of which he was quite proud, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in October 2011. He exuded his love of leadership, learning, and service by frequently speaking to local youth about the merits of being a well-rounded individual and staying focused on future aspirations.

Commander Quentin Wheeler was preceded in death by his mother, Wilma Hairston Wheeler.

He leaves behind his wife, Sheila Wheeler; his three children from his first marriage, Kelli, Quentin Gregory, Jr., and Chase (Evangelin) Wheeler; his father, Oliver Wheeler, Sr.; siblings, Oliver "Rocky" (Sherry) Wheeler, Jr. and Melanee (Brian) Mills; nieces and nephews, Ashley (Shawn) Saunders, Brandon (Olivia) Mills, Megan (Kenny) Anderson, and Erin Wheeler; his bonus children, Jairus Ward and Robert and Jason Michael; and a whole host of extended family and friends.

Quentin Wheeler led a full life filled with people who loved him and will be greatly missed. Despite his numerous military accolades, if left to opine his most meritorious accomplishments in life, visualizing the success of his children in their respective careers and coaching his son's basketball and football teams were among the most substantial. We thank you for your service to this country and for being our Father, Brother, Uncle, Son, Nephew, Friend, and Husband. We Love You.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Sunday, August 28, 2022 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00noon Monday, August 29, 2022 at Goler Memorial AME Zion Church. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12:00noon on Monday at the Church. Interment will be held at 11:00am Tuesday, August 30, 2022 in Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC.