Mission

Commissioner Pete Wheeler, a dedicated leader of the Georgia Department of Veterans Services since 1954, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2015. He began his career with the department in 1949 and served as its director from 1954 until his health declined in 2014. Over 66 years, Wheeler was a steadfast public servant and tireless advocate for veterans at both the state and national levels.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Geraldine, and a daughter, Jane Watkins. Survivors include his children Frances (Mark Jones), Peter B. "Chip" (Debbie Wheeler), John Watkins, and six grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brothers Victor and Maryann Stockell, sister Barbara and Costanstine Marnel, nephews Robert, Michael, and Thomas Stockell, and grandchildren Nikko Acosta, Amaya Wilgus Cade, Christopher Camacho, Jadyn Wilgus, and Aaliyah Sellers.

He was predeceased by his nephew, Victor Stockell Jr.

The funeral service was held on Sunday, April 26, 2015, at Decatur First United Methodist Church, Decatur, GA, with a committal service at Georgia Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Milledgeville the following day. Friends were received on Saturday, April 25, at A. S. Turner & Sons, Decatur, GA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Georgia War Veterans Home in Milledgeville

He served in Vietnam as a Team Leader in a Combat Tracker Unit, where he was wounded in combat. For his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Commendation Medal, and the Purple Heart.

William is survived by his beloved wife of thirty-eight years, Ernestine Wilgus Stockell. His legacy continues through his children—Crystal and James Blakely, John and Brigit Wilgus, Sherry Wilgus, and Robert and Angela Wilgus.

He is also survived by his brothers Victor and Maryann Stockell, sister Barbara and Costanstine Marnel, nephews Robert, Michael, and Thomas Stockell, and grandchildren Nikko Acosta, Amaya Wilgus Cade, Christopher Camacho, Jadyn Wilgus, and Aaliyah Sellers.

He was predeceased by his nephew, Victor Stockell Jr.

William entered the U.S. Army on August 21, 1967. He completed infantry training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and Fort Polk, Louisiana, and underwent Jungle Warfare training in Malaysia.

He served in Vietnam as a Team Leader in a Combat Tracker Unit, where he was wounded in combat. For his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Commendation Medal, and the Purple Heart.

William Jerome Stockell passed away peacefully on February 20, 2018, in Atlanta, Georgia, surrounded by his family. He was born on May 31, 1945, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and raised in Fairfield, Connecticut. William was the son of Charles Warner Stockell of New York City and Helen Halligan Stockell of Rochester, New York. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in Bridgeport and attended Norwalk State Technical College.

He is survived by his wife of thirty-eight years, Ernestine Wilgus Stockell; his children Crystal and James Blakely, John and Brigit Wilgus, Sherry Wilgus, and Robert and Angela Wilgus. Also surviving are his brothers Victor and Maryann Stockell, sister Barbara and Costanstine Marnel, nephews Robert, Michael, and Thomas Stockell, and grandchildren Nikko Acosta, Amaya Wilgus Cade, Christopher Camacho, Jadyn Wilgus, and Aaliyah Sellers. He was predeceased by his nephew Victor Stockell Jr.

William entered the U.S. Army on August 21, 1967, completing infantry training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and Fort Polk, Louisiana, along with jungle warfare training in Malaysia. He served in Vietnam as a team leader in a combat tracker unit, where he was wounded in combat. His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Commendation Medal, and the Purple Heart.

William dedicated himself to veteran support after his military service. He served as a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) with the Veterans Administration, as State Commander for the Disabled American Veterans Association, and volunteered with the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Department of Georgia. He was the first recipient of the Vietnam ERA Commander award and earned the DAV Meritorious Occupational Achievement award at James Mcnamee Chapter #5 in Bristol, Connecticut (1975-1976).

Throughout his career, William received numerous honors, including the 1989 National Commander’s Membership Team Award and the Past Commander’s Award for Outstanding Leadership from the Disabled American Veterans of Connecticut. He also earned the Distinguished Service Award from the DAV Auxiliary (1977-1979). William’s lifelong commitment was to serving the Veterans Administration, disabled American veterans, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

William Stockell will be cremated and laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, at the family’s convenience.

January 11, 2020

• Command Sergeant Major Lester Erving

March - April

• Joel R. Shattles, Army, WWII
• Roger W. Sheridan, Army, WWII