Carroll Ray Wheeler, age 85, passed away Tuesday, July 24, 2012 in Arcadia, FL. Ray was born in Nocatee, FL November 12, 1926. He graduated from DeSoto High School. Ray retired as a Tech Sergeant from the U.S. Air Force after 20 years of faithful service. Ray also retired from DeSoto Correctional Institution. He was a gun enthusiast and the former owner of Cates Gun Shop in Arcadia. He was a devoted family man whose first priority was the well being of his family. He enjoyed fishing and eating good food. Survivors are his beloved wife, Venteleen S. Wheeler, Arcadia, a son Carroll Ray (Theresa) Wheeler, Jr., Arcadia, FL and a daughter, Sue (Danny) Newberry, Largo, FL, two brothers, Lloyd Wheeler, Lake Park, GA and Clifford (Shirley) Wheeler, Port Charlotte, FL, and a sister, Vivian Palmer, GA, four grandchildren, Jessica (Lewis)Wheeler Ritch, Brian (Marty) Wheeler, Kaye Newberry, and Tracy (Jess) Newberry Maeder, and six great grandchildren, Mason, Morgan, Lane, Larrett, Addison and Brayden. Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Irene Barrs Wheeler, brothers, Lavaughan Wheeler and Ronald Wheeler, and a sister Juanell Powell. A visitation will be held Thursday, July 26, 2012 from 6:00PM until 8:00PM at the chapel of Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes, 50 N. Hillsborough Ave., Arcadia. Graveside funeral services will be conducted at 11:00AM, Friday, July 27, 2012 at Joshua Creek Cemetery. Rev. Ellis Cross will be officiating and the DeSoto Honor Guard will render military honors. Online condolences may be made at pongerkaysgrady.com Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes are in charge of the arrangements.