Derrell Wheeler, age 88, of Vernon, AL, passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at the residence. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 2:00pm from the First Freewill Baptist Church, 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 to officiate the services.
Mr. Derrell R. Wheeler was born August 18, 1936 in Vernon, Alabama to the late Myrt Wheeler and the late Dessie Mitchell Wheeler. He was a 1954 graduate of Lamar County High School. A hard worker and dedicated employee, Mr. Wheeler retired after over 40 year’s employment in sales and production development, at United Technologies in Columbus, Mississippi. Derrell was also a dedicated member of the First Freewill Baptist Church in Vernon, Alabama and served as a deacon both there and at Mt Harmony Baptist Church for over 50 years. He held offices in the Freewill Baptist Association and served in several church positions through the years. Mr. Wheeler was also known in the community as an esteemed member of the Gideon’s International Association-Lamar County Camp. He was a lifelong avid reader. Derrell enjoyed rebuilding John Deere tractors, woodworking, farming and was a car enthusiast with mechanical knowledge. His kind heart and loving spirit will always be cherished and greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Survived By:
Daughters: Benitta W. (Charles E.) Hall, Jr., 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 Yonzo, Conner Shelnut
Preceded in Death By:
Wife: Lucille Wheeler
Parents: Myrt and Dezzie Wheeler
Brothers: Owanna Wheeler, Ollie Dee Wheeler, Orval Wheeler
Sisters: Delane Robertson, Grace Lucas Graham, Opal Lawrence
