William “Bill” G. Wheeling, 79, of 793 Keely Road, Franklin died at 9:55 P.M., Sunday, August 11, 2013 in Union City as the result of a motorcycle accident.
Born July 17, 1934 in Franklin, Bill was the son of the late Walter and Irena Mae (Firster) Wheeling-Shingledecker.
He was raised by his step-father, Lee Shingledecker, who preceded him in death.
William is a 1952 graduate of the Rocky Grove High School.
On July 16, 1954, he married Shirley English, who survives.
He was a member of the Worden Chapel United Methodist Church
Bill was employed as a heavy equipment operator for Shingledecker Welding. Later he was employed by Penn DOT as a heavy equipment operator and instructor, he retired from there in 1994. He also worked locally running his backhoe for friends and family, and driving cars for A. Crivelli Ford.
Bill raced for over fifty years at local dirt tracks bringing home many trophies. He worked at the Daytona Speedway as an usher and was a supervisor for many years during the Daytona 500. Bill was also known for driving the pace car at Tri-City Speedway.
He was a member of the Twin-State Auto Racing Club Hall of Fame, The Pittsburgh Circle Track Club Hall of Fame, and the Tri-City Speedway Hall of Fame.
He was an avid Steelers fan.
He loved spending time with his family and was proud of his children and grandchildren. He lived his life as a role model for all of them.
Bill enjoyed the outdoors and helping his neighbors with their projects. He was a humble man who had a strong belief in God.
In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by his sons, Greg Wheeling and his wife, Thea, and Steve Wheeling and his wife, Dawn, both of Franklin; a daughter, Kathy Dye of Franklin; a sister, Betty Weaver of Oil City; and five grandchildren, Nathan Wheeling and his wife, Sarah, of Alexandria, VA, Leslie Wheeling of Lansdale, PA, Nikki Risley and her husband, Jay, of DeLand, FL, Whittni Kramer and her husband, Scott, of Franklin, and Leah Wheeling of Franklin.
He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father; and his step-mother, Elsie Wheeling.
Friends will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, on Wednesday, August 14, 2013, from 3:00 PM- 7:00 PM. Friends will also be received on Thursday, August 15, 2013 from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM at Grace United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, August 15, 2013 at Grace United Methodist Church, with Rev. Ed Gresick pastor of the Church, officiating, he will be assisted by Rev. Earl Dykes and Rev. William Beck.
Interment will be in Lupher Chapel Cemetery.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Worden Chapel United Methodist Church, 967 Keely Road, Franklin, PA 16323 .
To send online condolences, flowers, cards, or for further information, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.