Darrell Wheeler Obituary

Darrell Deane Wheeler LEXINGTON, SC - Dr. Darrell Deane Wheeler, 70, of Lexington, SC, formerly of Charleston, SC, and Paris, KY, passed away Thursday, January 21, 2010, in Lexington, SC. Born February 24, 1939, in Morgan County, KY, he was the son of the late Frank and Linnie Fannin Wheeler. Darrell was a Professor Emeritus, Department of Physiology, Medical University of South Carolina, where he was a Physiology professor and research scientist. He graduated valedictorian from Morgan County High School, where he held a record for most points scored by player in school history for over forty years. He graduated with distinction from Transylvania University, Lexington, KY with a degree in Chemistry. He was also a Transylvania Merit Scholar. He earned a PhD in Physiology and Biophysics from the University of Kentucky. He was the recipient of a National Defense Education Fellowship, a National Institutes of Health Traineeship, and National Institutes of Health Postdoctoral Fellowship. He was a former member of the South Carolina Academy of Science, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the American Physiological Society, and served on the editorial Board, Journal of Theoretical Neurobiology. Darrell was a prolific author, having published numerous research articles during his career at MUSC. He was also a talented woodworker, who made beautiful furniture. He is survived by his daughter, Melissa Wheeler Dunlap and husband, Richard Dunlap Jr., son Brian Deane Wheeler, granddaughter Catherine Rose Dunlap, all of Lexington, SC, former spouse Priscilla Rose Wheeler of Charleston, SC, one sister, Lois Brown (Walter) of West Liberty, KY, two brothers, Rodney Wheeler (Laurie) of Cornelius, NC, and Everly Wheeler (Lillian) of Paintsville, KY, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Dr. Arlis Wheeler, sisters Arlene Williams and Mavis Hall. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 25, at Potter Funeral Home in West Liberty, KY. The family will receive friends Monday, from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m., at the funeral home. Burial will be in the family cemetery in Morgan County, KY. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, South Carolina Chapter, 3223 Sunset Blvd, Suite 100, West Columbia, SC, 29169. The family would like to thank the staff at Lexington Extended Care and Oakleaf Village of Lexington, SC, for the care provided to Darrell during his illness. POTTER FUNERAL HOME, WEST LIBERTY, KY, is assisting the family. Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/deaths