Arville Wheeler

Nashville - Dr. Arville Vance Wheeler, a profoundly compassionate and esteemed pediatrician, was born on April 3, 1935, in Paintsville, Kentucky, to Dr. Arville (PhD) and Lois Wheeler, both revered professional educators. His life, marked by unwavering kindness, exceptional expertise, and heartfelt generosity, left an indelible legacy in Nashville's medical and community circles. He passed away on September 2, 2025, at the age of 90, leaving behind a heritage of warmth and dedication.

Education and Early Career

Dr. Wheeler's academic journey was distinguished, beginning at the prestigious Peabody Demonstration School and Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts. With an insatiable curiosity and commitment to excellence, he earned his B.A. from Vanderbilt University and graduated from its School of Medicine in 1960. His residency in pediatrics at Cincinnati Children's Hospital was followed by an invitation from the eminent Pediatric Hematologist, Dr. Alvin Mauer, for fellowship training in pediatric hematology, a testament to his remarkable skill and promise.

Military Service and Professional Excellence

Following his honorable service in the Air Force, Dr. Wheeler completed his residency and, in 1966, was personally invited by the renowned Dr. James C. Overall to join the esteemed practice of Overall and Strayhorn, celebrated for its unparalleled tradition of pediatric excellence. Dr. Wheeler's visionary leadership fostered robust, enduring ties between community practice and Vanderbilt's Pediatric training programs, amplifying a legacy of superior care. After more than three decades at the Church Street location, the practice relocated to Old Harding Road in 1974, where his influence continued to flourish.

For over 35 years, Dr. Wheeler's masterful expertise in pediatrics and pediatric hematology touched the lives of thousands of children in Nashville. Affiliated with the Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, he provided exceptional care for children with blood disorders while serving as a nurturing mentor to medical students and residents. As an Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, he devoted one month annually as a co-attending physician, seamlessly bridging specialist and community perspectives with his insightful and empathetic approach. Alongside luminaries like Dr. Jan van Eys, Dr. John Lukens, Dr. Bill Long, and Dr. Thombs, Dr. Wheeler earned heartfelt adoration for his tireless dedication, gentle demeanor, and profound faith.

Family and Personal Life

On August 2, 1957, Dr. Wheeler married Elizabeth "Beth" Henderson, a radiant and accomplished Vanderbilt graduate whose vibrant spirit illuminated Nashville's community. Beth, born July 18, 1935, was a pillar of service through her work with the Davidson County Medical Auxiliary and the Cumberland Science Center (now Adventure Science Center), where she pioneered the Health Learning Lab. An exceptional tennis player and teacher, she shared 64 years of devoted marriage with Dr. Wheeler until her passing on February 5, 2021. The couple's cherished home at 4308 Lindawood Drive in Nashville, established in 1966, was a haven of love and warmth.

A devoted and tender-hearted family man, Dr. Wheeler is survived by his three children-Kathy Bradford, Arville Vance Wheeler Jr., and Amy Wheeler Baczkowski-as well as eight beloved grandchildren and six cherished great-grandchildren, all of whom he nurtured with boundless affection.

Later Years and Legacy

Even in his later years, Dr. Wheeler's vibrant spirit and zest for life shone brightly. Well into his 80s, he maintained his cherished weekly tennis doubles matches with esteemed colleagues Dr. Oscar Crawford, Dr. Ben Alper, and Dr. Larry Wolf, reflecting his enduring vitality and camaraderie.

Dr. Arville Vance Wheeler, a venerated and benevolent figure in Nashville's medical community, was celebrated for his selfless commitment to bridging academic medicine and private practice. His life, defined by integrity, deep faith, and an extraordinary capacity for compassion, continues to inspire. His legacy endures through Old Harding Pediatric Associates' steadfast dedication to pediatric care and the countless families he served with unparalleled kindness and expertise.

Services honoring Dr. Wheeler will be held at West End United Methodist Church on Friday, September 19th. Visitation hour will begin at 10:00 am followed by the Memorial Service at 11:00 am.

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