Derrell R. Wheeler, beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the age of 88.

Born August 18, 1936, in Vernon, Alabama, to Myrt and Dessie Mitchell Wheeler, Derrell grew up with the values of hard work and deep faith that would guide him throughout his life. After graduating from Lamar County High School in 1954, he built a distinguished career spanning over four decades in sales and product development at United Technologies in Columbus, Mississippi, where his dedication and integrity earned him the respect of colleagues and clients alike.

For nearly five decades, Derrell shared his life with his beloved wife, Lucille Wheeler. Together, they formed a strong partnership united by their faith, shared values, and deep love for their family. While they each brought their own unique gifts, with Lucille's gracious hospitality and gentle spirit perfectly complementing Derrell's quiet strength, they were devoted partners in raising their two daughters and instilling the values of faith, hard work, and compassion that defined their home.

But it was Derrell's unwavering faith and generous spirit that truly defined him. For more than 50 years, he served as a faithful deacon, first at Mt. Harmony Free Will Baptist Church and then for 39 years at First Free Will Baptist Church in Vernon, touching countless lives through his quiet leadership and compassionate heart. His commitment to spreading God's word extended through his cherished work with Gideon's International-Lamar County Camp, where he was deeply respected and loved.

Those who knew Derrell will remember a man whose hands were never idle and whose curiosity never dimmed. Whether he was restoring a John Deere tractor to its former glory, crafting something beautiful in his wood shop, tending to his farm, or tinkering under the hood of a car, he approached every project with the same patience and skill he brought to everything in life. He was an avid reader who never stopped learning, and his mechanical wisdom seemed to know no bounds. Family and friends were continually amazed by his remarkable memory, as he could recall facts and details about events, cars, and countless other subjects with impressive precision, making him a treasured source of knowledge and stories.

Above all, Derrell will be remembered for his kind heart, gentle spirit, and the quiet way he made everyone around him feel valued and loved. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the family who will forever treasure his memory.

Survived By:

Daughters: Benitta W. (Charles E.) Hall, Dadeville, AL

Selena W. (Demus) Shelnut, Vernon, AL

Sisters: Irene (Charles) Estes, Spring Hill, FL

Lovie Hunnicutt Lovelace, Sylacauga, AL

Loretta Palmer, Hartselle, AL

Grandchildren: Kevin (Courtney) Hall, Brittany H. (Param) Yonzon, Landon (Alyssa) Hall, Kaylee Hall, Seth Shelnut, Ryan (Ashley) Shelnut, Jared Shelnut

Great Grandchildren: Annalise Hall, LJ Hall, Amayah Yonzon, Connor Shelnut

Preceded in Death By:

Wife: Lucille Wheeler

Parents: Myrt and Dessie Wheeler

Brothers: Owanna Wheeler, Ollie Dee Wheeler, Orval Wheeler

Sisters: Delane Robertson, Grace Lucas Graham, Opal Lawrence

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 2:00pm at First Free Will Baptist Church in Vernon, AL. Burial will follow in the Lamar Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday from 1:00pm until service time at 2:00pm. Bro. Joe Beckon will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be The Gideons of the Lamar County Camp: Bennie Northam, Larry Northam, Terry Fields, Dale McNees, Ronnie Guyton, and Fred Ray Savage.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made "In Memory of Derrell Wheeler" to: The Gideons-Lamar County Camp, P.O. Box 521, Vernon, AL, 35592 or to First Free Will Baptist Church, P.O. Box 543, Vernon, AL 35592.