Wheeler, Former Top Douglas Sheriff's Major, Dies At 65

DOUGLASVILLE, GA — James Thomas "Tommy" Wheeler, the retired major formerly in charge of law enforcement with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, has died, the sheriff's office announced. He was 65.

According to his obituary, Wheeler, of Douglasville, died Sunday.

Wheeler, an Atlanta native, worked for the sheriff's office from Jan. 1, 1973 until his retirement on Feb. 1, 2014. He was a graduate of the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville and worked with Douglas County's patrol, criminal and special investigations divisions during his career.

He is survived by his wife, Karla, and two sons, Jeff and W.T.

According to his wishes, Wheeler was cremated. The family will receive friends at Hightower’s Memorial Chapel, Douglasville, on Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 4-6 p.m. A memorial service will follow at 6 p.m. in the chapel with Chaplain Della Leyssius, of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and Jamie Harrell officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Georgia Sheriff’s Association Youth Homes. The address is, Georgia Sheriff's Youth Homes, Attention: Development Division, P. O. Box 1000, Stockbridge, Ga., 30281.

Read the obituary here.

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Photo courtesy Douglas County Sheriff's Office