A native of Haywood County, Wheeler started wrestling in 10th grade and was a standout wrestler at Tuscola High School.  Wheeler was a three-time state qualifier and finished third in the state in 1971.  Wheeler attended Western Carolina University earning a degree in Recreation Administration.  He wrestled at Western for one season before the program was dropped in 1973.  This began an officiating career that lasted for more than 40 years.  Wheeler was the first black referee to call matches in the Mountain Association and the first black official in North Carolina to call the state tournament in 1986.  Since then he has called 30 regional and state meets in all but one year which he missed to celebrate his parents 50th wedding anniversary.  Self-described as an official who “calls what I see and see what call,” Wheeler’s style is to let the athletes be the focus of attention rather than the official.  Wheeler received a “Golden Whistle” in 2006 with a Distinguished Service Award from the Piedmont Wrestling Officials Association.  In addition to calling high school matches, Wheeler has officiated in the Southern Conference Wrestling Tournament and at the NHSCA High School Nationals.  Wheeler retired from the Boonville Volunteer Fire Department in 2008 where he was a five-time recipient of the “Spark Plug” Award, a First responder of the year, and a Fireman of the year. Currently an engineering technologist with Duke Energy, Wheeler is active in his community and has been the United Way Chairperson at Duke Energy and a member of the Board of Directors for the Yadkin County Smart Start Program.