William "Fred" Wheeler
March 19, 1951 ~ August 11, 2019
Born in:
Ocala, FL
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail“Nothing’s more important than family and friends.” Fred Wheeler
William Frederick “Fred” Wheeler, Jr. passed away at the age of 68 on Sunday, August 11 at the John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center in Asheville, NC. He is preceded in death by his father, William F. Wheeler, Sr.
Fred was a loving Husband, Son, Brother and Uncle to his family. He is survived by his wife of 42 years. Sherry; mother, Wanda Wheeler; sister and brother-in-law, Cynthia and Robin Harrelson of Atlanta and their children Kyle and Jessica.
Fred was born in Ocala, FL and was a proud fourth generation Florida native. It was in Ocala that he developed a lifelong love for all things outdoors including fishing, camping, scuba diving, swimming, boating and hiking.
Fred graduated from the University of Central Florida with degrees in Business Administration and Business Management. He was a charter member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and remained connected through the years with this “Band of Brothers.”
Fred had an illustrious 38-year career in the insurance sales industry. His early years were leading group and pension sales teams for Life of Virginia, Integon and Lincoln National Insurance. In 1984, Fred joined Humana Inc. and embarked on a career that helped transform Humana to become one of the largest health insurers of those on Medicare in the country. Fred joined Humana as a market sales manager in Tampa, FL and quickly ascended the ranks to Vice President of Sales for Humana and ultimately of Humana MarketPOINT. Fred was the founding father of Humana MarketPOINT, the retail sales arm of Humana that would go on to enroll millions of consumers in Humana’s flagship Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan products. Fred was known as a visionary and innovator. He was loved by thousands of Humana associates for his leadership, care of people, ability to inspire and mentor others and his tenacity to succeed.
After a brief retirement, Fred returned to Humana to spearhead a passion of his: to help the men and women in uniform, as well as Veterans who had served our country. Under Fred’s leadership and with his strong sense of purpose and patriotism, he created the Humana Veterans Initiative. Fred’s team aligned themselves to Humana’s mission and adopted their vision of “Helping America’s Veterans and their family members achieve life-long wellbeing.” In addition, under Fred’s leadership, Humana initiated its Veteran and Veteran’s Spouse Hiring program, with the goal of hiring 1,000 Veterans. Humana has hired almost 5,000 Veterans or spouses since 2011.
Fred was a member and supporter of the Town n’ Country Rotary Club.
He and his wife, Sherry divided their time between their homes in Asheville, NC and in Robbinsville, NC.
Blessed with a legion of friends and a wonderful family, Fred will be truly missed.
Respecting Fred’s wishes, there will be no funeral services.
Leader – Friend – Visionary – Patriot – Mentor – Traveler – Family Man
Our thoughts are with your family during this difficult time.
Rich
Dear Mrs. Sherry Wheeler & Family: I was very saddened to hear about the passing of your precious husband, Mr. Fred Wheeler, Jr. Psalm 37:9-11 & John 5:28-29 gives hope of being reunited with our loved ones on a paradise earth. For more comfort please see jw.org. With Sympathy, J Jones
RIP Fred till we meet again.
Phi Alpha❤️
God Bless you Fred. You are in our hearts forever. Love and prayers to Sherry as she moves through this very difficult time. We love you.
Judy Woodworth and Ron Wolfson
Fred: you were the BEST brother in law I could have hoped for! You were such an incredible addition to the Frink Family so many decades ago. We will love you forever and will support Sher as she copes with your absence. No doubt you are inspiring the Angels right now! High Flight my friend!
Sherry – please know how much our hearts ache for you and the rest of the family. He was such a gem. Hugs.
Fred was an incredible business man, friend, fisherman and touched the lives of so many. Sherry, the Sisters of Kasisi Orphanage in Zambia will be holding a special mass on Sunday across the globe in Fred’s honor. I really realized my friendship with Fred the past six months with his battle. So dignified, so open and so firm in his faith. Fred it at peace and we are all our better to have had him in our life! Rest in Peace Fred.
I did not want this day to come.
I wanted to come play in the mountains with you!
I guess we’ll get another, BETTER chance.
Frito, as I knew you primarily by this nickname, I am glad you are set free from the binds of this world.
Our verbal jousting will have to wait for another time.
Sherry, thank you for hosting the UCF (FTU) & SAE guys and wives gatherings. My parents so enjoyed these vacations and to be gathered with old friends. Treasured memories for sure!
I’ll be praying for the Holy Spirit to give you strength and comfort. You are not alone!
A total True Gentleman that will be missed by all-you are now in total peace in the arms of our Lord and Savior–help keep us all on the right path–love ya man!!
My deepest condolences to you Sherry and mother Wanda and Family. Fred was an incredible man who will live on in the hearts and minds of so many. I have a note from Fred pinned on my office wall about leadership – and As promised – I’m keeping his beautiful retirement toy (Jag) in perfect condition and think of him every time I drive it. He was always quick with kind and encouraging comment – and he was man that inspired the very best in everyone. I will always remember him and praying for all of you during this time. Bill.
Our heart & prayers goes out to the Harrelson’s and Wheeler’s family.
Elaine Jackson
Sherry, our condolences to you, his Mother and entire family. God bless!
Mickey Varner
Sherri, please know you are in my thoughts & prayers daily. My heart cannot conceive the pain you are enduring. As I read the countless tributes to Fred on his Facebook page, it is so apparent how many lives he touched and what a great man he was. He has left an incredible legacy. I am so very sorry for your loss. Please get in touch with me sometime – I still have the same phone number and my email is included in this message. I would like to write to you at some point if you will send me your address.
Remembering you and praying for you,
Joyce
Fred, you were a great leader and friend. You touched so many peoples lives and you will be greatly missed. I am very grateful for what you did for me and my family through the years.
Genuine man!
The world has lost a good man.
So sorry for your loss Sherry, never forget the time Fred helped me with a problem I had with Humana reps harresing my Mom when she had Alzheimer’s. I was just in NC and Knoxville last month Terri Garcia works in Knoxville.
Fred was an inspiration to all!
So very sorry to learn of Fred’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to Sherry and family.
Prayers and Condolences to you Sherry. May GOD bless you during this difficult time
I knew Fred when he and I were both young men. We worked with the same company and were peers. Over the years our paths went in different directions and we lost touch. If I may leave this little story concerning Fred’s friendship. I was at a truly low point in my life and Fred had been in touch encouraging me to keep my chin up. One Sunday afternoon I heard the doorbell, opened the door and there was Fred with that big wide gin. He said I thought maybe you could use some company. Now that story doesn’t naturally mean anything unless you know that Fred lived over a hundred miles away from me at the time. An amazing man and friend!! Sherry, God bless you.
Fred was my first boss at my first job at Integon Insurance in Tampa. Nobody could ask for a nicer person to have as a boss. He was always happy and smiling. I remember him fondly and am saddened by his passing. My condolences to his family.