Harold "Dale" Wheatly

Harold "Dale" Wheatly, 85, of Robinson, IL, passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Robinson Rehab in Robinson. He was born on December 7, 1940, in Sardis, KY, to Luther & Lorene (White) Wheatly. He eventually made his way to Anderson, IN, where he spent nearly twenty years operating a fencing business. Later, he moved to Robinson and worked for many years at Briggs Pottery until the plant closed. But retirement wasn't something he had any interest in. Before long, he was back to doing what he knew best, operating Wheatly Fence Sales and Service and continuing the work he had built a lifetime around.

Hard work was simply part of who Dale was. Strong-willed and determined, he believed a job was worth doing right and expected the same effort from those around him. That expectation extended to his daughters, too, and he raised them to work hard and take responsibility for themselves, lessons he reinforced throughout their lives by the example he set.

When the workday was over, Dale was happiest outdoors. Fishing was a favorite pastime, and camping became a family tradition after he converted an old school bus into a camper, fixed up with bedrooms and even a kitchen. He was, after all, a man who enjoyed cooking. Around the campsite, a pot of ham and beans often simmered over the fire, and at home, he was known to spend a whole day tending to his famous homemade vegetable soup. Liver and onions were another specialty, and in the summer months, few things brought more life to his evenings than tending to his grill. He also enjoyed taking long drives through the countryside, keeping an eye out for deer, with old country music as his soundtrack.

Reserved by nature, Dale never sought attention and rarely had much to say unless it needed to be said. He was far more comfortable working than talking, and those who knew him best understood that his life spoke for itself.

He is survived by his daughters, Lisa (Mike) Tangman, Shelley Miller, and Nancy (Irvin) Huss; his grandchildren, Hillary (Brock) Hudson, Madisyn (Andrew) Bellew, Haleigh Tangman, Brett Miller, Bryant (Callissa) Miller, Blake Miller, and Jacob (Kyndall) Huss; and great-grandchildren, Cole and Whitley Hudson, Kolter Bellew, Owen, Orion, Lincoln, and Chandler Miller; his sisters, Khristy (Michael) Wood and Sue (Joe) Keen; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Shannon Jo; and his siblings, Wayne, June, and Ann.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation celebrating his life from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 9th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Memorials may be made to "SBL Hospice", and memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.