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William J. ‘Dub’ Wheeler, 71, Harrison

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William J. “Dub” Wheeler, 71, of Harrison, passed away Monday, April 5 (2010) in Tulsa, Okla. after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. 

He was born to the late Robert S. Jr.,“Bob,” and Elizabeth L. “Lizzie Lou” Wheeler on July 25, 1938, at Harrison. W.J. graduated from Harrison High School in 1956 and received a BSEE in Electrical Engineering from the Missouri School of Mines in 1960. While there, he was a star quarterback on the football team and a member of Sigma Nu. He married Judith Medlin Wheeler in 1960, and they lived together in Harrison before relocating to Tulsa in 2009.

W.J. owned and managed Harrison Broadcasting Corporation until he sold it in 2005. He also owned and managed KCMQ in Columbia, Mo. “Dub” was a past president of the Arkansas Broadcasters Association. He was the recipient of their prestigious “Pioneer Award.” He was appointed by former Governor Dale Bumpers to serve on the Arkansas Arts Council. He also served as president of the Harrison School Board and the Harrison Rotary Club. He was a great athlete and is a member of the Goblin Hall of Fame and the University Missouri School of Mines Hall of Fame. W.J. was a member of First Baptist Church in Harrison. He loved traveling and taking many cruises with his wife in his lifetime.

W.J. is survived by his wife, Judith Rae Wheeler of Harrison. He is also survived by his brother, Robert S. III, “Bob,” and sister-in-law, Patricia Wheeler. He has two children: Keith Wheeler and his wife, Tammy of Tulsa, Okla. and Kathryn Wheeler Shassere of Rogers. He also is survived by four grandchildren: Hannah and Josiah Wheeler and Lauren and Andrew Shassere.

Honorary pallbearers are the members of Dub’s Sunday School class at First Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 5to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 8, at Holt Memorial Chapel. A memorial celebration of Dub’s life will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 9. 

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made out to Keith Wheeler Ministries at P.O. Box 702706, Tulsa, Okla. 74147 or to First Baptist Church Missions of Harrison, 1400 South Pine, Harrison, Ark. 72601.  Condolences can be sent to the family at 1110 North Quail Terrace, Rogers Ark. 72756.

Dub was known to be a kind and gentle man with an infectious smile. He was deeply loved and will be missed by many. 



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