Rocky Lynn Wilhelm passed away in the early hours of October 7, 2022 from hypoventilation syndrome, a complication that surfaced after he was hospitalized with pancreatitis shortly after celebrating his 70th birthday. He spent the last two months of his life surrounded by immediate family, making every attempt to recover. Rocky tolerated multiple hospitalizations and nursing facilities as best he could, bravely entering the unknown each time, gracefully suffering the indignities of losing his independence, while still managing to make each of his caretakers laugh along the way.

Born Reggie Lynn Wilhelm on August 1, 1952 to Ollie Francis and Lillie Faye Wilhelm (née Smith) in Pampa, Texas, he would later officially change his name to Rocky, the nickname he’d always been called by his family and friends. In addition to both of his parents, he is preceded in death by his two big brothers who he grew up idolizing, Gary and Bobby Wilhelm. Rocky is survived by many precious family members including his father’s second wife and grandmother to his children Estella Rodriguez Wilhelm of Las Cruces, NM; sister and closest confidante Lynda Queen (née Wilhelm) newly of Paradise, TX, formerly of Amarillo; nephew Kevin Wilhelm and his family in El Paso, TX; and niece Amie Steen and her family also of El Paso. Rocky also leaves behind his much adored daughters and their families - Michelle Gregory (née Wilhelm), her husband Jason and their children Alec, Cameron, Brice, BilliJo, the newest addition, Rocky’s great grandson Axel, and Rocky’s youngest daughter Stacey Wilhelm and her partner David McKay, all of the Austin, TX area. He is also mourned by his beloved former wife Mary Wilhelm (née Rodriguez) of Katy, TX who stood by his side until the very end as his forever friend in life and beyond.

Despite living in Texas much of his life, Rocky considered Las Cruces, NM his home and he remained forever connected to New Mexico through his memories (and through his favorite foods!). His professional career started when he was a young boy working in his dad’s drive-in theaters in Texas and New Mexico and continued as he eventually ended up an executive for the one time international movie theater chain Cineplex Odeon. After leaving the theater business behind, he worked a variety of other jobs even after receiving a Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis in the late 90s. He ultimately found great joy in running a music resale business and being a club and party DJ. However, his diagnosis eventually caught up with him, leaving him unable to withstand the physical demands of working, and he retired early in Katy, TX where he remained until the end of his life.

Additionally Rocky leaves behind many dear friends who he cared for like family and who held him in equally high esteem. Ever the jokester, Rocky made an instant impression on so many people over the course of his life, easily reeling them in with his charm and keeping them hooked with his generous and infectious spirit. During the last years of his life, Rocky spent time reconnecting with friends and colleagues from his past, revisiting his salad days and taking immense joy in learning about their lives now.

Rocky’s family would like to thank his incredible friends for their support and encouragement of him during the last months of his life. Your love and prayers gave him much needed strength, and your companionship offered much needed distraction during such a difficult time. It meant a great deal to the entire family and it meant everything to him.