James David “Dale” Wheeler, 88, of Fayetteville, Tennessee, passed away Jan. 29, 2024, at HH Lincoln Health surrounded by the family he so loved.

Funeral services were held Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, at Higgins Funeral Home. Burial followed in State Line Cemetery.

Mr. Wheeler was born Nov. 13, 1935, in Madison County, Alabama, to the late David Walter and Nanny Estelle McAlister Wheeler. Known by most as Dale, he was a veteran of the Air Force and continued his service in the National Guard. He worked for various companies in property management with NASA in Huntsville and retired from Boeing. However, he found his true calling as a substitute teacher after his retirement. Dale thoroughly enjoyed being around the students, helping them and mentoring them any way he could. He never met a stranger, and he made an impact on all he encountered. Dale also loved living life, riding his tractor, his church, and family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He generously gave and received a lot of love.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Marjorie Wheeler; daughter, Angie Wheeler Hall and husband Keith; grandchildren, Kaytlin Hall Carpenter and husband Wyatt, Kelsea Hall Evans and husband Ben, Kyle Wheeler Hall and fiancé Jocelyn Taylor; great-grandchildren, Ava-Kayt Carpenter, Wheeler Carpenter, Emerson Evans, and Pippa Evans; brother, Larry (Nancy) Wheeler; nephew, Joseph (Cynthia) Wheeler; niece, Shawn (Scott) Bean; double-first cousin, Wanda House; and many extended family members and friends.

Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of James David Wheeler.