Marvin Stacy Wheeler

Marvin "Stacy" Wheeler, 54, of Auburntown, Tennessee passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025. He was born in Sparta, Tennessee on April 8, 1970. Preceding him in death was his brother, Dr. Scott Wheeler.

He is survived by his wife, Amy Wheeler of Auburntown; children, Libby (Jordan Merchant) Wheeler of Murfreesboro, James Wheeler, and Sarah Wheeler both of Auburntown; father, Marvin (Leslie) Wheeler of Auburntown; mother, Linda Sue (Jeff) Cook of Smithville; sister-in-law, Kim Wheeler of Smithville; and nephews, Robert Wheeler and David Wheeler both of Smithville.

When you know who you are and want you want in life, it simplifies your choices and direction. Stacy was one of those people who was sure-footed. He graduated from Dekalb County High School with the Class of 1988 and went on to trade school. He didn't need anything fancy because he was a country boy with the will to work.

What Stacy desired most in life though was a family. When he caught the attention of a young lady named, Amy, she knew she had to know more about this quiet and funny guy. Amy called around to ask for Stacy's number and a date. Stacy knew he'd found the one, and they were wed in Gatlinburg on January 24, 1998. 

The outdoors played a key role throughout Stacy's life. An avid hunter, he made sure he was out in the woods for deer and turkey season. It only seemed fitting that he take his bride through the mountains and then settle in the hills of Tennessee. Their home was like living in Gatlinburg, and their 27 years together brought much joy and laughter. Most importantly though, it brought them their three children.

Being a family man was Stacy's bread and butter. He knew how to crack a joke or pull a prank to keep the smiles and good times rolling. His girls got trained up in the ways of sarcasm, and he was proud of his apprentices for keeping Amy on her toes and a smile on her lips. His private personality meant he reserved the best of himself for those who knew him and he loved most.

About the only time Stacy wanted to be away from home was to go to work to provide for his family or to go on a family trip. For 18 years, he worked at Greif Recycling and rose to the position of Warehouse Manager. He aimed to make sure his family was comfortable in materials needs and overflowing in emotional needs. If he needed to tone it down on the kidding around, he would pull out his guitar and play for them. His family loved his presence and attention.

Home is where the heart is, and Stacy didn't see any point leaving home for anything other than work without his heart. He and Amy got to revisit their wedding location on numerous occasions taking the kids to watch James compete in the Special Olympics. James primary event was snowboarding, but he even did skiing for a year. Stacy was proud to watch James take the slopes, and it got a lot more exciting when it actually snowed enough one year for all of the events to take place in real, Tennessee snow. 

While up in Gatlinburg, Stacy made sure to take the kids through Cade's Cove, but Gatlinburg far from made up all of their family excursions. They took other traditional trips, like going to the beach almost every year, but then, Stacy and Amy got the itch to head out west. Countless memories were made on those trips, and the Grand Canyon topped the list of favorite places to go. Stacy just couldn't let go of those mountain and valley scenes for too long, and he sought them out wherever they went.

Returning home brought him and Amy great joy and relief. While the trips were fun, there was no place like home. They had their routines, like sitting out back birdwatching and just taking in their very own slice of heaven with the kids playing, talking, and laughing in the background. Sometimes, all the difference is in those still quiet moments, and Stacy wasn't one to take any of them for granted.

His motivation as a protector and provider, his love for his family, and his passion for being out in nature derived from his belief in the Keeper, the Father, and the Creator. Stacy took any opportunity he could to be with the blessings he was given in this life, and he used his talents to be a blessing to them. While it will never seem like enough time, Stacy's hope rested in a happy reunion in the future. He wouldn't want a frown or a tear to cross his family's face. Instead, Stacy would want the laughs to be more abundant, no songs be left unplayed, and his love to be felt in every breath they take until they meet again.

A gathering for family and friends will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 from 4-7 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Special Olympics or the Cannon County Community for Animals. 

Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story