Oct. 20, 2023

The University is saddened to learn of the passing of George H. Wheatley Sr., 98, the oldest citizen of West Greenwich, who died peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, Oct. 17. Born in Pawtucket, he was the son of the late Joseph and Anne (Laycock) Wheatley. He was the husband of Muriel E. (Dame) Wheatley for 59 years.

A proud veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, he served during World War II, and later joined the Army Reserve. Following his time in the service, George attended the University of Rhode Island and graduated in 1951 with a bachelor’s degree in animal husbandry. He was also a member of the fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon at URI.

George was passionate about his work at URI’s W. Alton Jones Campus and was the director there until his retirement in 1986. The Environmental Education Center at the Alton Jones Campus was George’s idea, and he procured funding for the project.

On his request, Nettie Marie Jones donated the W. Alton Jones Campus to the University of Rhode Island. George was a true steward of the land.

George was an integral and highly involved member of his community and belonged to various organizations throughout his life. From 1954 to 1967, he was the chief of Hianloland Fire Department, where he played a fundamental role in moving the department to public land from Hianloland Farms. He also acted as deputy chief of police in West Greenwich. 

He is survived by his five children: George H. Wheatley Jr. and his wife, Angela, of West Greenwich; Joseph J. Wheatley and his wife, Rita, of West Greenwich; Karen A. Kennedy of Enterprise, Alabama; Elizabeth D. Wheatley of North Kingstown; and Susan Osbrey and her husband, Raymond, of West Greenwich; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren. 

Family and friends are invited to gather at the family homestead at 321 Plain Road, West Greenwich on Sunday, Nov. 5, from 1 to 1:30 p.m., followed by an informal gathering from 1:30 to 4 p.m. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations in George’s memory may be made to: West Greenwich Land Trust, Town Hall, 280 Victory Highway, West Greenwich, RI 02817; or to Hianloland Fire Company, 270 Victory Highway, West Greenwich, RI 02817.

Read the full obituary.