Politics
Politics

Wheeler, who had headed Georgia’s veterans agency since 1954, dies

By
April 21, 2015

The longtime commissioner of Georgia’s veteran affairs department died Tuesday at the age of 92.

Pete Wheeler became commissioner of the Department of Veterans Services in 1954 and was Georgia’s longest-serving agency head, working for a dozen governors stretching from Herman Talmadge to Nathan Deal.

He was an Army infantry instructor during World War II and later joined the National Guard, where he rose to become brigadier general.

U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson said Wheeler made an “immeasurable contribution” to more than 750,000 Georgia veterans. Deal said he “worked tirelessly” for Georgia veterans and their families.

“His legacy is one of which we are all proud,” the governor said. “I am grateful for his service and he will be deeply missed.”

About the Author

Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution's chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.

Follow Greg Bluestein on facebookFollow Greg Bluestein on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., speaks alongside then former president and presidential hopeful Donald Trump at a campaign event in Rome, Georgia, on March 9, 2024. (Elijah Nouvelage/AFP/Getty Images/TNS)

Credit: TNS

OPINION

Marjorie Taylor Greene or Trump: Who gets MAGA in the divorce?

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s battles with the president test her base at home in Georgia's 14th Congressional District.

Ex-lawmaker, former Cobb school board member head to Georgia Senate runoff

Two Democrats are top voter getters, headed to runoff in Georgia Senate special election for metro Atlanta seat.

Georgia lawmakers vote to release Epstein files

The tally marked a dramatic reversal for GOP lawmakers on Capitol Hill and a stinging rebuke for Trump, who had furiously tried to block the move.

The Latest

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., speaks alongside then former president and presidential hopeful Donald Trump at a campaign event in Rome, Georgia, on March 9, 2024. (Elijah Nouvelage/AFP/Getty Images/TNS)

Credit: TNS

OPINION

Marjorie Taylor Greene or Trump: Who gets MAGA in the divorce?

Ex-lawmaker, former Cobb school board member head to Georgia Senate runoff

Georgia lawmakers vote to release Epstein files

Featured

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones — pictured at an August rally in Peachtree City that also featured Vice President JD Vance — appears to have scored another legal victory over gubernatorial rival Attorney General Chris Carr in their battle over campaign finance issues. (Arvin Temkar/AJC 2025)

Credit: Arvin Temkar / AJC

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones scores another victory over use of campaign cash

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones appears to have scored another victory over Attorney General Chris Carr as the Republican gubernatorial candidates battle over campaign finance issues.

Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr.’s season is over; needs surgery to repair ACL

Michael Penix Jr., whom the Falcons hoped was their quarterback of the future, will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a partially torn ACL in his left knee.

Typewriter Tom fuels a growing interest in analog writing devices

Roswell's Tom Rehkopf owns about 1,000 typewriters, which he tinkers with at his workshop and happily shares with fellow aficionados, curious youngsters and even Tom Hanks.