William Rhodes Wheaton

William Rhodes Wheaton (aka Bill or Billy), of Sylmar California passed away on Thursday December 21, 2023. He was 71 years old.

Billy was born October 26, 1952 in Hollywood, he lived 71 years in Los Angeles, California.

Billy was a member of the local 724 union, and worked as laborer- journeyman- foreman. He built sets for movies and television for more than 40 years before retiring in 2017. To name a few notable movies he worked on: Back to the Future, Ghostbusters, Blade Runner, Roger Rabbit, Memoirs of a Geisha, Transformers, and many...many more!  

Billy worked hard and played hard, he was the life of the party! He opened his home to family and friends for holiday gatherings, themed parties, and weekend BBQs. If in need, he would offer his friends, or friends of friends, a place to stay. An avid music lover, he would listen to music (rock n roll) from morning to night, often recreating comedic lyrics to his favorite tunes.

Billy loved animals, had many pets throughout his adult life (birds, rabbits, cats and dogs) all named for alcohol beverages, famous boxers, or characters in movies (Whiskey, Moonshine, JD, Leon Spinks, Dillinger, Audrey, Bailley, Six pack, and Fosters)

William, a widower to his beloved wife Denise Wheaton who passed on January 6, 2019, is survived by his two daughters Leigha Sheppard and Amey Wheaton. He is also survived by his two brothers John and Larry Wheaton, by his 4 grandchildren- Amanda Montoya, Jake Wilson, Madison Wheaton, Chloe Sheppard, and 5 great grandchildren – Bridgette, Savannah, David, Abel, and one on the way!

Make a memorable donation to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or ASPCA links below:

https://secure.aspca.org/donate/ps-memory-sl-p1?ms=MP_PMK_GooglenonbrandMemorialSL&initialms=MP_PMK_GooglenonbrandMemorialSL&pcode=WEBMEMORYSLPPC&ds_rl=1066464&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA7t6sBhAiEiwAsaieYi_GyJ1l8bTgxQLBfGCzOPQd8onNiKLvRWfU3IwnSLKbfXeQ_PYxcRoCHaoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw