Lyndell Martin Wheatley

Lyn was born in Athens, Alabama. At 14, he left his hometown to reside in Dallas County at the Alabama Sheriff’s Boys Ranch. During his years as a foster child Lyn learned the importance that connection, security, and education play in the development of a child. He was sheltered and mentored by his house parents, Marvin and Jessie Cash. Their daughter, Jackie, became his bonus sister. Lyn embarked on a life journey that led him to become one of the greatest success stories from foster care in Alabama.

Notably, Lyn was the first Sheriff’s Ranch youth to attend college. He was a graduate of Troy University. He entered the workforce in 1977 after being recruited as an undercover narcotics agent on a federally funded task force concentrating on drug interdiction. During the course of his professional career, Lyn worked as a Financial Consultant for Merrill Lynch, Executive Director of the Alabama Sheriff’s Boys and Girls Ranch, and B.A.S.S. National Federation Director. While at B.A.S.S., Lyn organized CastingKids, patterned after football’s popular Punt, Pass & Kick program. Within its first decade, more than 1.5 million children had competed in flipping, pitching and casting, with the winners earning more than $1 million in scholarships over the years.

In 2001, Lyn created a place, a safety net, to catch and treat children who were literally falling through the cracks of the system of care. He founded SafetyNet Behavioral Healthcare, a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility, serving children with emotional and behavioral disorders. He was the dynamic CEO of SafetyNet for 24 years and he loved and cherished his SafetyNet family.

Lyn’s passion to serve held no limits. He tirelessly committed to numerous boards such as the National Board of EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program, Alabama Association of Childcare Agencies, and Children First. He also held numerous leadership positions at Aldersgate United Methodist Church.

While Lyn’s work ethic was unmatched, he knew that these accomplishments were not of his own merit. He was a faithful follower of his Savior, Jesus Christ, and knew that his path was God-ordained. Lyn and his wife Renee were active members of Aldersgate United Methodist Church for 43 years. It was there he and Renee made lifelong friends with whom they spent many years raising their families together in faith. This past year, Lyn and Renee found fellowship at Saint James Church.

Lyn found great joy in the hobbies of golf and grilling. He especially enjoyed taking part in charity golf tournaments, where he combined his passion for the game with helping others. Lyn was often found at the grill testing new rubs, spices, and methods. He loved sharing his grilling masterpieces with family and friends.

Lyn’s larger than life personality, warm hugs, and welcoming smile were his trademark. The love he showed to so many was a blanket of safety and comfort to all who knew him. Lyn was able to so freely show love because of the love shown to him by his Savior Jesus Christ. He was a faithful follower of Christ and joyfully shared how his Savior rescued him from literal darkness and set him on the journey to serve others. The love he showed created a lasting imprint on those who knew him.

Lyn loved so many, but nothing compares to the fierce love he had for his family. He was married to the love of his life, Renee Van Lierop Wheatley, for 48 years. Their bond was profound and she was his jewel. The Van Lierop’s became the family that Lyn could only dream of. He cherished his sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Rita Van Lierop, Jacque Van Lierop Schenk, and Joe Schenk, with whom he had a special bond. He is preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Jack and Helen Van Lierop.

You could not meet Lyn without hearing about his beloved daughters and their husbands, Lyndsey Wheatley McCrory (Russell) and Amy Wheatley Willis Buell (Josh). His love for them was unmatched, and he was proud to be a provider and protector to his girls. Lyn was so proud to hold the title of Papa for his six adored grandchildren, Claire Collins McCrory, Margaret Ann McCrory, Thomas Russell McCrory, James Walker Willis, Lucy Katherine Willis, and Jackson Wheatley Willis.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025 at Saint James Church, 9045 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36117. The family will welcome visitors at 1:00 and a 2:00 service will follow.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Alabama Sheriff’s Youth Ranches.