Obituaries

Tina - I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Wheeler. He was a great man and loving husband, father and friend. You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Our hearts go out to Tina and all of Wheeler's family. Wheeler was quiet, sincere, and aways wore a smile. Tom and I are honored to have known him, and to have heard his story first hand. He served as a US Army paratrooper in the 2nd Rangers during the Korean War in a time of extreme racism. But he was never deterred from doing his duty. He accepted the mission his country gave him, and executed it professionally and with pride. Along with the many other Black Paratroopers and Rangers of that era, he opened the jump door for future generations of young men and women. A true hero and gentleman, Wheeler always exuded loyalty, honor, integrity and respect! We will miss him.

My dear Aunt Tine, what a pleasure it has been over the years for me to see you and Uncle Wheeler together. You chose very well for he was a man of great honor and distinction...and of course, handsome too! ☺️ Now during this time of loss, may you and the whole family be comforted by the God of all comfort (II Corinthians 1:3 & 4) and by the memory of a life well lived. With love & sympathy,

We are heartbroken to learn of our Uncle Wheeler's passing. Our deepest condolences to you Aunt Tina and to all of our family. Uncle Wheeler was a great man, a gentleman, a kind caring soul, and a true hero. His legacy will remain and therefore he will never be forgotten.

It was a pleasure meeting Sgt. Wheeler years ago. Very wise man indeed. Thank you for your service and being a trailblazer for the generations to come . God be with the Family during this time.

My condolences to you and your family my God continue strengthen you through this time

Remarkably unique and modest while sharing some of the greatest accomplishments one could ever make. You are one of the most special individuals I've ever had the pleasure of sharing "time" with. The stories, encouragement, wisdom, and achievements I will share on. Though I wish sincerely I had more time with you I find comfort in knowing God makes no mistake and you're flying again with your new set of wings. A true trailblazer you are who stared adversity in the eyes and triumphed at all cost. You are legendary my friend and legends live forever!!! Condolences to the honorable Dr. Earnestine Barnes-Small and family! Love you and rest on my brave friend in peace Sgt Wheeler Smalls Jr. You are missed dearly!

Sincere condolences to you and your family. You and Honeybun had a fabulous run. Those precious memories will help to sustain you in difficult days ahead. Keeping you in my prayers.

My favorite Spades Partner and Friend. Your Wisdom will Truly be Missed. You will alway be in my heart. 🙏 always

Our condolences to the entire family on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you dear.

KEEP YOUR HEAD UP. GOD IS GOOD NO MATTER WHAT.

Fly the Flag High For Ranger Wheeler Small. A Quiet man who got the job done. As a soldier he excelled. As a caregiver helping Tina care for our mother in her final years. Thank you for your service, we salute you. 👍🏾👍🏾 Mary, Donald, Ro, DJ. Parker.

THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS FROM THE PRESIDENT OF 2ND RANGER COMPANY (AIRBORNE) RESOLUTION AS A CHARTER MEMBER AND REPRESENTATIVE OF THE 2ND RANGER INFANTRY COMPANY (AIRBORNE) REPRESENTING OUR MEMBERSHIP, I DEDICATE THIS RESOLUTION IN MEMORY OF RANGER WHEELER S. SMALL JR. GET READY WHEREAS, OUR DEARLY BELOVED COMRADE, "BUFFALO RANGER" WHEELER S. SMALL DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON DECEMBER 16, 2020 TO THE GREAT DZ (DROP ZONE) BEYOND - - - WHICH HAS MANY SOFT LANDING SPOTS AND GENTLE BREEZES STAND UP! WHEREAS, DURING HIS MILITARY SERVICE, RANGER SMALL WAS RESPECTED, ADMIRED AND LOVED BY US, HIS COMRADES-IN-ARMS - - HOOK UP! BE IT RESOLVED THAT WE, THE MEMBERS AND COMRADES OF THESE ORGANIZATIONS, WISH HIS FAMILY TO KNOW THAT WE KNEW WHEELER 1. WHEN HE WENT THROUGH JUMP SCHOOL 2. WHEN HE JOINED OLD 3RD BATTALION 82ND ABN DIV 3. WHEN HE PROUDLY COMPLETED TRAINING AS A RANGER 4. WHEN HE EARNED HIS COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE FOR HIS EXCELLENCE IN COMBAT IN KOREA 5. WHEN HE EARNED HIS "MUSTARD STAIN" AT MUNSAN NI 6. WHEN HE EARNED HIS FIRST PURPLE HEART OUTSIDE TANYANG PASS IN KOREA CHECK EQUIPMENT! WE REALIZE THAT THE GREAT JUMPMASTER HAS SHOWN WHEELER THAT SUPREME DROP ZONE IN THE HEAVENS THAT HAS NO TALL GEORGIA PINES. NO NORTH CAROLINA TICKS, NO FLORIDA WIND GUST AND NO KOREAN HONEY BUCKETS TO SPOIL HIS PERFECT PARACHUTE LANDING. SOUND OFF FOR EQUIPMENT CHECK ! DEAR FAMILY, IT OUR DESIRE THAT NO ONE GATHERED HERE TO SEE THIS AS A SAD OCCASION. BUT, THIS IS A REJOICING OCCASION FOR US WHO KNEW WHEELER SO WELL. HE, SO CONDUCTED HIMSELF IN HIS SHORT SPAN OF TIME WITH US THAT HE LEFT INDELIBLE FOOTPRINTS ON THE SANDS OF RANGER HISTORY AND MARKS ON THE LIVES OF THOSE THAT KNEW HIM IN THE AIRBORNE RANGERS. WE SHARE YOUR LOSS. STAND IN THE DOOR! SO WHEELER S. SMALL JR, FELLOW RANGER, WHO EXITED THE DOOR OF LIFE BEFORE US, WE HOPE THAT YOU HAD A GOOD BODY POSITION AND A SOFT PARACHUTE LANDING ON THE GREAT HEAVENLY DROP ZONE. WE MISS YOUR CARING SPIRIT AND YOUR SERVICE WITH US. DZ COMING UP! TO THE ENTIRE FAMILY, COMRADES AND FRIENDS, MAY GOD, THE GREAT JUMPMASTER, BE WITH YOU AND COMFORT YOU IN THIS PERIOD, IN THE DAYS AHEAD - - AS HE HAS DONE IN THE PAST. "BUFFALO" - GO! THIS RESOLUTION MADE ON THE 16TH DAY OF DECEMBER IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD TWO THOUSAND AND TWENTY ALL THE WAY!! RANGERS LEAD!! HERCULANO G. DIAS PRESIDENT

Ranger Small; He created a very concise and powerful picture of his life. I had the wonderful privilege of being his friend for five years. The stories and things he shared with me I will always remember. Sometimes when we got together I would call him my daddy, jokingly. He will always remain a special person to me. With love ❤️ and admiration, I would like to say farewell to my friend and one of the first all Black Airborne Rangers. Ex-Marine Corps Sergeant Boris Neil Simpson Semper Fi - Boris N. Simpson

The Heavens were made greater on December 16, 2020, when my brother, Wheeler Small entered those pearly gates. He have completed his earthly assignment, and started serving his eternal assignment as a Warrior Angel for the Lord. March on Ranger Small. We will see you in Glory one day on Praise Street and Hallelujah Boulevard.

Truly a man of honor. Ernestine, you and Wheeler were a beautiful couple. Although not often enough; I absolutely enjoyed the times we were able to spend together along with Sylvia 🙂. I always marveled at how attentive Wheeler was to Mrs Mae Eliza. It's an honor to call him a friend and more importantly a fellow veteran. Wheeler, I salute you. You've answered your final call. Janice Bulluck

We take this moment to Thank God for our long lasting friendship to you and Wheeler. Through the years, we have had some wonderful times, cooking, laughing, family reunions and just being in your presence. Our memories will forever live in our hearts and today, we send prayers of love and condolences to you and the family. May God continue to bless you during this time. We are always here for you and thank God for such a wonderful man of God and all he's done. Love you.....

My sincere condolences and prayers to you and your family ❤️🙏🏾

Sincere condolences to Ernestine and entire family. Sympathy to and prayers are with you.

I would like to say as a child growing up my cousin would come through to check on his mom who would make us all home made biscuits n when he'd come I would love to see him n ask him about the military n I said one day I'm going to join! And when I turned 17 I did just that! My cousin was my hero n was always sauve cool calm n collective. I honor a salute him n your service is now complete soilder! Rest well cuz! Thank u Tina for ur love n support of this great nan! Love n prayers to all my cousins! Thanks for sharing him with us all! He got his wings plz believe that!

Condolences to cousin Dr. Ernestine Barnes Small and the entire family of the late Honorable Sgt. Wheeler Samuel Small Jr.

My heart is heavy because you Cousin Leroy were the powerful example of being a Loving and caring man of God.You not only served your family but your country.I will always remember our last the me being together. It was at your daughter Linda's Church.We Smiled and hugged and took pictures.My beloved cousin you.have left the earthly realms and entered into the Heavenly Realms. Your have earned your wings and I can hear God saying, " My good and faithful Servant, Welcome...😢😢😢