Stewart Wheeler

Stewart Alexander (Alec) Wheeler, age 66, of Tuscaloosa, died Jan. 17, 2012. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Sunday at Lake Lurleen State Park with Heritage Chapel Funeral Home & Cremations, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing.

He was preceded in death by his father, Doyce Alexander Wheeler, and his mother, Myrtie Lee Stewart Wheeler.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia Miller Wheeler of Arvada, Colo.; his stepdaughter, Angelique Kramer; his stepson, Adam Flick; his sister, Patty Wheeler Smitherman; and his step-grandchildren, Zachary Britton, Sebastian Kramer, and Layla Flick.

Originally from Centreville and Brent, Ala., Alec was a loving husband and brother and a devoted friend. He retired from BF Goodrich on March 31, 2001. He loved the physical challenges of outdoor sports, from motocross to running, cycling, and swimming. He logged the most hours as a developer of the Tashka Trail at Lake Lurleen State Park. He was a member of the Druid City Bike Club, the West Alabama Mountain Bike Club, the Perry Mountain Motocross Club, and the Masters' Swim Club at the University Aquatic Center. He participated in triathlons in the 1980s and 1990s. Alec rode the Bicycle Tour and completed the Triple Bypass road bike tour, both in Colorado. He also did his first "Fourteener" by riding his bicycle to the top of Mount Evans.

He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his compassionate nature, his love of words, his passion for justice and the environment, and his dedication to his wife, family, friends, and his sports. Contributions in his memory may be sent to an Alabama classroom in need through DonorsChoose.org. His family thanks his many friends for their support.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Heifer International.