State Rep. David Wheeler (R-Vestavia) has passed away early Wednesday morning.
He was 72.
****UPDATED 3/11/2022 to include the funeral arrangements - The funeral for State Rep. David Wheeler (R-Vestavia) will be at All Saints Episcopal Church in Homewood at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 12. Visitation starts at 9:30a.m. The service will be live-streamed on Facebook, Vimeo and on the All Saints website.****
Wheeler, from Vestavia Hills, was first elected in 2018 to represent House District 47. He had qualified to run for reelection and had no opposition in the party primary election set for May.
“We are absolutely heartbroken by the news of Rep. Wheeler's passing," said Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl. "He was a stalwart in our Party for many years – long before his election to the Alabama Legislature. In addition to serving on our ALGOP Executive Committee and as our State Party Treasurer, Rep. Wheeler was a longtime member and past-Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party Executive Committee, and an active member of the Mid Alabama Republican Club. His passion to serve the people of House District 47 cannot be understated and his presence in the Legislature will be sorely missed. Our prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
Gov. Kay Ivey also responded to the death.
“Rep. Wheeler was a good man, devoted to his values, his community and our entire state," Ivey said. "He was taken from us too soon, and I know he will be missed by all, especially by the people he served in Jefferson County. His wife Diane and all of his loved ones are in my prayers.”
“The people of District 47 and all of Alabama have lost a devoted servant and I’ve lost a good friend,” House Speaker Mac McCutcheon said in a statement. “It was rare that David came to the microphone to speak on legislation, but when he did his words carried weight. I’ll miss him and so will the members of the House.”
“Every member of the House Republican Caucus is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of our colleague, Rep. David Wheeler, and his loss is deeply felt by all who knew him,” said House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville). “A kind and jovial man with a broad smile and firm handshake for those he encountered, Rep. Wheeler was dedicated to his district and worked hard to represent the constituents who elected him.
“He stood firm in his conservative beliefs and understood that the moral character and values unique to Alabamians are what make our state such a special place to live, work, worship, and raise a family,” Ledbetter continued. “Alabama has lost a statesman, and those of us who were fortunate to work alongside him have lost a good and trusted friend. The members of the Alabama House Republican Caucus join me in lifting up the Wheeler family in this time of need and asking God to give them strength and consolation in the days ahead. Godspeed, good friend. You will be missed.”
Wheeler served on several House committees including Commerce and Small Business, Jefferson County Legislation, and the Local Legislation Committee.
A native of Jemison, Wheeler was a graduate of the University of Montevallo. He was a member of the Montevallo Board of Trustees. He also has a Master’s in Business Administration from Samford University. He was recently inducted into the Montevallo Sports Hall of Fame.
Appointed to the Montevallo Board of Trustees by Gov. Bob Riley in 2008 for a term ending in 2032, Wheeler serves as Chair of the Personnel Committee and Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee.
From 1972 to 1988, Wheeler held various management and staff positions in the Accounting, Finance, Planning and Budgeting Departments of the Alabama Power Company. From 1988 to 1993 he was based in Washington, D.C., as manager of federal affairs for Alabama Power.
After retiring from Alabama Power, Wheeler served three years as president of Vulcan Termite and Pest Control Inc.
He is a member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Homewood. Wheeler is survived by his wife, the former Diane Reeves, a native of Troy.
Economic Developer Nicole Jones wrote, “Rest in peace to our friend, David Wheeler. Your continued support and encouragement throughout the years will always be remembered. I am certain the Lord is smiling at you saying, “well done, my faithful servant.”
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.
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