Taylor "Ray" Wheeler

Taylor "Ray" Wheeler, 91, born on December 13, 1932, in Long Beach, CA, passed away March 18, 2024 at his. home in Monrovia, CA surrounded by loving family.
 
He is survived by: Wife:  Joan Whitenack Sons: Mark Louis Wheeler and Randy Stine, Stepchildren: Kenneth Wheeler,  Rick Wheeler- Williams, Thomas Whitenack, Terri Carroll and Michelle Clayton.  Twelve grandchildren:: Alec Wheeler, Riley Wheeler, Zachary Wheeler, Cooper Wheeler, Nicolas Stine ,Dustin Stine, Ryan Jimenez, Dylan Jimenez, Cory Clayton, Mark Clayton, Luke Whitenack and Abigail Whitenack.. Eleven great grandchildren: Evangeline Wheeler, Annabelle Stine, Jason Stine, Madison Jimenez, McKenna Jimenez, Jackson Jimenez, Emma Jimenez, Ava Jimenez, Cash Jimenez, Coral Clayton, and Aurora Clayton.

Ray was a very loving man who always did everything in his power to help others whose motto was “It’s All About Love.”  Ray was a volunteer for many organizations and was honored with the Humanitarian of the Decade award from Foothill Unity Center, the Heart in the Arts award from the Monroviia Association of Fine Arts.  Ray loved boat racing and had been a racer, and later the referee and timer for the boat races of So. Cal. Speedboat Club and served many years on the SCSC board.

Ray was a man of many talents including real estate broker, and teacher of  real estate at Pasadena City College. He was an engineer who worked in the space industry and designed the ION engine,. He has items in the Smithsonian, and on the moon.  He had an RV dealership “Happy Camper RVs”, where he sold new and used motor homes.  Ray was an amazing cook and enjoyed cooking vegetarian meals for freinds and family - and they loved it.  He was always had a very positive attitude.  One of his favorite sayings was: “I choose to be happy!   Happiness is a Choice!”   Ray loved adventure and  traveled to many countries, including India, Australia, New Zealand Bahamas, Costa Rica and more. .

Celebration of Life was held on March 23, 2024 in the Fireside Room of the Monrovia First Presbyterian Church where nearly 100 friends and family gathered to share stories and love for Ray.  

Graveside Funeral Service will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 11:30 am at Riverside National Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Foothill Unity Center to help needy families.

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Arrangements are under the care of Douglass & Zook Funeral and Cremation Services, Monrovia, CA.