Share:
William Frank Wheatley Jr., veteran, avid collector
September 26, 2024
William Frank Wheatley Jr., 80, passed away peacefully Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in VITAS Hospice Care in Philadelphia, Pa., from numerous health issues, the most recent being several severe strokes. He was born Sept. 4, 1944, in Wilmington, and attended William Penn High School. He served honorably in the U.S. National Guard from 1963-69. William resided in Lewes, where he worked various jobs. He is preceded in death by his sister, Lona Lee Wheatley; brother, Robert H. Wheatley; mother, Phyllis; stepfather, Geary E. Buddison; and father, William F. Wheatley.
He enjoyed gardening, cooking, crafts, opera, country, jazz, plus anything involving Delaware beaches. He was dedicated to his dog, Bubbles; and his cats, Smokey Bandit and beloved Happy. He is survived by his brother, James E. Biddison and his wife Elizabeth; nieces and nephews; and wonderful caregivers, kind neighbors, and friends, who provided abundant love and support.
He proudly served as a panel maker for the Names Project of North Central Delaware and assisted in the quilt display in 1996 in Washington, D.C., as well as participating in numerous fundraisers for fighting the AIDS virus in Delaware. He was an avid collector of Beanie Babies, art, cobalt blue glassware, opera LPs, original signatures of opera singers, and innumerable figurines.
A small, informal gathering honoring and remembering William will take place at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, at Old St. Georges Cemetery, St. Georges.
He specifically asked that there be no flowers, “Having enjoyed them greatly in life, not in death.”
William will be greatly missed by those who loved him dearly.
Donations in William’s memory can be made to the Ryan White Foundation.
