Obituary for Hugh Ward Wheelless, Jr.
Hugh Ward Wheelless, Jr., a lifelong resident of Dothan passed away August 22, 2021. He was 74 years old. Hugh was born on April 19, 1947, to Willie Austin and Hugh Ward Wheelless, Sr.
Hugh graduated from Dothan High School in 1965. He attended Auburn University where he was a flight instructor during the Vietnam War and graduated in 1970 with a Business Administration degree. Upon completing college he moved back to Dothan and ran Dothan Aviation at Wheelless Airport after the passing of his father. Throughout his working career Hugh also served as the president of Wheel-Air Aviation Insurance and then later as the president of United Distributing Company.
Hugh’s true legacy was the second half of his business career when he donated more than 400 acres to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and started Wheelless Development and Realty. This contribution created not only a golf course but also a foundation of growth resulting in expansive housing communities, two parks, and a thriving elementary school. The economic development emerging from this has benefitted our entire Wiregrass community. He was honored to have been recently selected as a laureate inductee for the 2021 class of the Dothan Business Hall of Fame.
Hugh is best remembered as a visionary and community leader. Of all the kind words and gestures in remembrance that have been said one quote in particular stands out: “Mr. Wheelless while never holding public office was a public servant.”
He was a vital contributor to many charitable organizations such as Wiregrass United Way, Wallace Community College Foundation, and the Dothan Rescue Mission. Hugh’s civic involvement leaves a legacy throughout our community. He was member of the Dothan Chamber of Commerce Foundation, founding member and past president of the Dothan-Houston County Rotary Club, Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow, Chairman of the Houston County Port Authority, Past President of the Wiregrass Auburn Alumni Club, and countless other organizations.
Hugh was a man of great faith and loved and served his church in numerous capacities. As a member of the Church of the Nativity he served roles from senior warden and Finance Committee member to acolyte and chalice bearer. He was a Leader of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast where he contributed and served extensively.
Hugh was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Patricia Wheelless Paschen, and his niece Jessica Wheelless Knowles. Survivors include his wife Barbara Parker Wheelless; his sons Hugh “Trip” Ward Wheelless, III, (Michelle), William Hayes Wheelless (Paola), and Christopher Lee de la Croix (Melissa); his sister Beverly Wheelless Knowles (Dewayne); his brother in law Tommy Parker (Jackie); his six grandchildren Chase Gilley, Landon Wheelless, Mary Hugh Wheelless, Larissa Wheelless, Colin de la Croix, and Grayson de la Croix; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.
A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 26, 2021, at the Hugh Wheelless Pavilion at Haddington Park in The Highlands with Reverend John Coleman officiating and Glover Funeral Home directing. The family requests that all attending the service wear casual dress and short sleeves. It is recommended that all guests wear a mask and social distance. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in honor of Hugh to Wallace Community College Foundation or Wiregrass United Way.
Hugh graduated from Dothan High School in 1965. He attended Auburn University where he was a flight instructor during the Vietnam War and graduated in 1970 with a Business Administration degree. Upon completing college he moved back to Dothan and ran Dothan Aviation at Wheelless Airport after the passing of his father. Throughout his working career Hugh also served as the president of Wheel-Air Aviation Insurance and then later as the president of United Distributing Company.
Hugh’s true legacy was the second half of his business career when he donated more than 400 acres to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and started Wheelless Development and Realty. This contribution created not only a golf course but also a foundation of growth resulting in expansive housing communities, two parks, and a thriving elementary school. The economic development emerging from this has benefitted our entire Wiregrass community. He was honored to have been recently selected as a laureate inductee for the 2021 class of the Dothan Business Hall of Fame.
Hugh is best remembered as a visionary and community leader. Of all the kind words and gestures in remembrance that have been said one quote in particular stands out: “Mr. Wheelless while never holding public office was a public servant.”
He was a vital contributor to many charitable organizations such as Wiregrass United Way, Wallace Community College Foundation, and the Dothan Rescue Mission. Hugh’s civic involvement leaves a legacy throughout our community. He was member of the Dothan Chamber of Commerce Foundation, founding member and past president of the Dothan-Houston County Rotary Club, Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow, Chairman of the Houston County Port Authority, Past President of the Wiregrass Auburn Alumni Club, and countless other organizations.
Hugh was a man of great faith and loved and served his church in numerous capacities. As a member of the Church of the Nativity he served roles from senior warden and Finance Committee member to acolyte and chalice bearer. He was a Leader of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast where he contributed and served extensively.
Hugh was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Patricia Wheelless Paschen, and his niece Jessica Wheelless Knowles. Survivors include his wife Barbara Parker Wheelless; his sons Hugh “Trip” Ward Wheelless, III, (Michelle), William Hayes Wheelless (Paola), and Christopher Lee de la Croix (Melissa); his sister Beverly Wheelless Knowles (Dewayne); his brother in law Tommy Parker (Jackie); his six grandchildren Chase Gilley, Landon Wheelless, Mary Hugh Wheelless, Larissa Wheelless, Colin de la Croix, and Grayson de la Croix; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.
A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 26, 2021, at the Hugh Wheelless Pavilion at Haddington Park in The Highlands with Reverend John Coleman officiating and Glover Funeral Home directing. The family requests that all attending the service wear casual dress and short sleeves. It is recommended that all guests wear a mask and social distance. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in honor of Hugh to Wallace Community College Foundation or Wiregrass United Way.