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

Ja'Quon Stembridge — pictured speaking at the monthly Henry County Republican Party meeting in July — was elected over the summer as the assistant secretary of the Georgia GOP. (Jenni Girtman for the AJC)

Credit: Jenni Girtman

Teen GOP activist steps down from party leadership post

Greene County native and University of North Georgia student Ja’Quon Stembridge, 19, had run on boosting youth involvement in the party.

Special election for state House seat in Cherokee County set for Dec. 9

Five Republicans and one Democrat are competing for House District 23, which covers Canton and unincorporated parts of Cherokee County.

It’s ‘deepfake’ season. Here’s how to spot AI in political ads.

Review sources with skepticism, and consider whether a particular image or video confirms preexisting — potentially controversial — beliefs, experts advise.

The Latest

Polling workers and voters are observed inside Canton City Hall during the special election for the state senate seat in Cherokee on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, to fill the remainder of former state Sen. Brandon Beach’s term, which runs through January 2027. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Special election for state House seat in Cherokee County set for Dec. 9

Teen GOP activist steps down from party leadership post

LISTEN

He came close to making history in Marietta mayor’s race. He may run again.

Featured

More metro Atlanta sellers are deciding to take their homes off the market, according to a new report. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Why thousands of metro Atlanta sellers pulled their homes off the market

The number of delistings in metro Atlanta grew 41% in September from the same month a year ago, a recent report said.

Public service or nuisance? Atlanta attorney’s videos cause stir

An Atlanta personal injury lawyer's social media videos of witness testimony are upsetting medical malpractice defendants, who have asked local judges to intervene.

Where could Georgia Tech play in its bowl game?

Surveying the postseason landscape for the Yellow Jackets.