George Calhoun Wheeler, 96, of Saluda, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2016.

He was born in Saluda, SC, on February 17, 1920, a son of the late James Jacob Wheeler, Sr., and Kate Stilwell Wheeler. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Kathryn Culbertson Wheeler, his son, George Daniel Wheeler, and his brother, James Jacob Wheeler, Jr. He is survived by his daughter, Debbie Wheeler Fraser and her husband, Denny, of Hilton Head, SC; two granddaughters, Page Fraser and Elizabeth Fraser also of Hilton Head; nephews, Bill Wheeler and Jim Wheeler and numerous cousins.

George attended Saluda schools and graduated from Lee H. Edwards High School in Ashville, NC, in 1937. He graduated from Clemson College in 1941, with a degree in Dairy Science and the rank of Army 2nd Lieutenant. While at Clemson, he played trumpet in the Tiger Marching Band.

Two weeks after graduating from Clemson, he entered active duty in the US Army. He was commissioned 1st Lieutenant in 1942, and Captain in 1943. In December, 1943, he joined the overseas European Theater in the 8th Division, 28th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Company H, based in Northern Ireland. Twenty-eight days after D-Day, his unit landed on Utah Beach, Normandy, France. His battles and campaigns included Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Germany. He was commissioned Major in May, 1945. His unit left Le Havre, France on June 28, 1945, and he was relieved from active duty on January 5, 1946.

George was a decorated Veteran of World War II, receiving the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star, WW II Victory Medal and the French Croix de Guerre. He was selected for South Carolina's Inaugural Honor Flight (November 15, 2008) to the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. He was a past Commander of Saluda American
Legion Post 65,where he was a member for 70 consecutive years.

After the war, he returned to Saluda, and married Kathryn Culbertson in January, 1947. George, in partnership with his brother, James, owned and operated Wheeler Jersey Farms, putting together a herd of Jerseys that was a combination of high production and beauty. He produced 2 Grand Champions at the All American Jersey Show. During his retirement, he raised beef cattle.
George was a leader of the SC Jersey Cattle Association, having held the offices of Secretary, Vice President, President and Lifetime Director. In 2001, he was the Honors Award Recipient. George was a past chairman of the Saluda District One School Board and served on the Saluda County Library Board. He was an active member of Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church, where he served on the Church Council and many committees.

George will always be remembered for his kind and gentle spirit and will remain in our hearts forever.

Visitation will be at 10:00 am on June 20th at Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church, Saluda, SC. The funeral will follow at 11:00 am, with graveside services immediately after.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in his memory to Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church, 101 N. Calhoun St., Saluda, SC 29138, or American Legion Post 65, P.O. Box 98, Saluda, SC 29138.