Robert "PR" Prentiss Wheeler, Jr.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Robert “PR” Prentiss Wheeler, Jr., beloved husband, father, and brother who left us on June 11, 2025, at the age of 74.

PR was born on February 16, 1951 in Tokyo, Japan where he lived for the first thirteen years of his life. He also lived in Hawaii and Bethesda before spending his adulthood in Northern Virginia. PR often spoke about the beauty of Japan, his family vacations in Nikko, and island hopping throughout Hawaii. He graduated from Walt Whitman High School and later attended college in California. In the early 1970s, PR returned to Northern Virginia to help establish the successful motorcycle dealership Cycle Sport, Inc. and fitness equipment company Fitness Resource, Inc. Over his career, he became a game changer—setting new standards for efficiency, accuracy, and service that earned him industry-wide respect. He received numerous awards, but was best known for his precision, reliability, and unwavering dedication.

PR met his wife Barbara Ryan at Timberlakes in Dupont Circle in 1984 and they married on October 7, 1989. In 1990 they bought their home in McLean where they have lived since. Their daughters, Meghan Ryan Wheeler and Katherine Callaway Wheeler were born in 1993 and 1995. There was nothing that gave PR more pride and joy than his family. 

PR found happiness in music—particularly Mark Knopfler, Bruce Springsteen, and the Dire Straits, whose entire discography played on repeat in the house. He loved the beach, a good book, and had an affinity for math and any puzzle that gave him a chance to problem-solve. PR also had a deep love of sports, which became a shared language with his daughters as he threw himself into their games, celebrating every win, and analyzing every loss with them. PR was serious, but he also loved to laugh. He will be remembered not only for his intelligence and curiosity, but for his unwavering loyalty, quiet humor, and the deep pride he took in the people he loved. 

PR is survived by Barbara, Meghan, and Katherine and the family’s two yellow labs, Jack and Max; his brother, Charlie Wheeler, and his wife, Martha Wheeler of Leesburg, Virginia; twin sister, Melissa Wheeler of Sacramento, California, sister, Mary Ross and her husband, Scott Ross of Scottsdale, Arizona, and sister, Rosella Shapiro and her husband, Michael Shapiro of Sacramento, California. He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert "Pete" Prentiss Wheeler, Sr. and Adelia Callaway Wheeler, as well as his oldest sister, Gerrie Wheeler Florence. 

PR will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for the warmth and light he brought into the lives of all who knew him. As we celebrate his life, we take solace in the cherished memories he gave us. May he rest in peace. 

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society or the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.