The name Roger Wheeler can refer to different individuals depending on context. Most commonly, it points to:
- Roger Milton Wheeler (1926–1981) – American businessman from Tulsa, Oklahoma.
- Captain Roger W. Wheeler (1907–1969) – Rhode Island lifesaving pioneer, after whom Roger W. Wheeler State Beach is named.
This article explores their lives, legacies, family relations, net worth (where available), and clarifies a common confusion involving the “Nissan Rogue AWD.”
Roger Milton Wheeler – The Businessman
Early Life and Age
Roger Milton Wheeler was born on February 27, 1926, in Boston, Massachusetts. He died on May 27, 1981, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 55. He was the son of Sidney Sea Wheeler and Florence Edith (née Kendall) Wheeler.
Career Highlights
Wheeler’s business journey was impressive:
- Early Ventures: He started small businesses in high school, including a newspaper and a stamp-collecting service.
- Industry Roles: Worked for Gulf Oil and Standard Oil in Texas.
- Entrepreneurship: Founded Standard Magnesium & Chemical in 1949 in Tulsa; sold it about 15 years later for $10 million, a substantial sum for the time.
- Corporate Leadership: Became chairman of Telex Corporation, a company known for tape drives, hearing aids, and speakers.
- Sports Ventures: Acquired World Jai Alai, a popular sporting venue at the time.
Net Worth
While no verified figure exists, Wheeler was described as a multimillionaire businessman, likely worth tens of millions at the time of his death. Sources mention his vast wealth in context with his Tulsa enterprises and World Jai Alai ownership.
Family and Relations
- Spouse: Married Patricia Jane Wilson in 1946.
- Children: They had six children.
- Parents: Sidney Sea Wheeler (father) and Florence Edith Wheeler (mother).
Details about his siblings and extended family remain private in public records.
Tragic Death
On May 27, 1981, Wheeler was shot and killed at the Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa. His death was linked to uncovering an embezzlement scheme at World Jai Alai involving organized crime. The case remains one of the most notable business-related murders in American history.
Captain Roger W. Wheeler – Rhode Island Lifesaving Pioneer
Early Life and Age
Captain Roger W. Wheeler was born in 1907 and passed away in 1969 at the age of 62.
Lifesaving Career
Captain Wheeler is celebrated for his contributions to water safety and lifesaving programs:
- State Life-Saving System: Helped establish Rhode Island’s official lifeguard and water safety programs.
- Military Service: Served as a Warrant Officer in the U.S. Army during World War II, developing life jackets used by the Army and Air Force.
- Awards: Received the Army Commendation Medal for his contributions to lifesaving and training.
His dedication to public safety earned him recognition and enduring respect in Rhode Island.
Family and Legacy
While little is publicly documented about his family, Captain Wheeler’s legacy lives on through state programs and the beach named in his honor.
Roger W. Wheeler State Beach – Narragansett, Rhode Island
Location and Overview
Roger W. Wheeler and Simon Wheeler State Beach is a family-friendly beach in Narragansett, Rhode Island, along Block Island Sound. It is a 27-acre state-owned recreational site with parking, a pavilion, playgrounds, showers, and a concession stand.
- Address: 100 Sand Hill Cove Road, Narragansett, RI 02882
- Former Name: Originally called Sand Hill Cove, renamed in 1970 to honor Captain Wheeler.
Beach Features
- Gentle surf ideal for families and children.
- Modern amenities including pavilion, restrooms, and playgrounds.
- Boardwalk and bulkhead upgrades in recent years have improved accessibility and ADA compliance.
Visiting Tips
- Arrive Early: Parking can fill quickly during peak season.
- Family-Friendly: Perfect for kids due to shallow water and gentle waves.
- Construction Updates: Check local news for temporary closures due to renovations.
Clarifying “Nissan Rogue All-Wheel Drive”
Some searches for “Roger Wheeler” also include Nissan Rogue AWD, likely due to keyword confusion.
- Nissan Rogue: A compact SUV offered with all-wheel drive on multiple trims.
- Clarification: This vehicle is not related to any Roger Wheeler discussed above.
Conclusion
The name Roger Wheeler bridges stories of ambition, heroism, and community. Roger Milton Wheeler reflects business success and tragedy, while Captain Roger W. Wheeler symbolizes dedication to public safety and is commemorated in a beautiful Rhode Island state beach. Whether searching for historical figures or family-friendly beach destinations, understanding which Roger Wheeler you’re exploring makes all the difference.
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