State Rep. David Wheeler (R-Vestavia Hills) passed away on Wednesday at the age of 72. Wheeler, first elected to the legislature in 2018, was running unopposed in his bid for a second term representing House District 47.

The lawmaker sat on the Commerce and Small Business, Local Legislation, and Jefferson County Legislation Committees. Wheeler was a retired Alabama Power employee and a longtime member of the University of Montevallo board of trustees.

Wheeler was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Homewood. He was married to to Diane Reeves Wheeler.

House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) issued a public statement on behalf of the House Republican Caucus in response to Wheeler’s passing.

“Every member of the House Republican Caucus is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of our colleague, Rep. David Wheeler, and his loss is deeply felt by all who knew him,” stated Ledbetter. “A kind and jovial man with a broad smile and firm handshake for those he encountered, Rep. Wheeler was dedicated to his district and worked hard to represent the constituents who elected him.”

“He stood firm in his conservative beliefs and understood that the moral character and values unique to Alabamians are what make our state such a special place to live, work, worship, and raise a family,” added Ledbetter. “Alabama has lost a statesman, and those of us who were fortunate to work alongside him have lost a good and trusted friend.”

The majority leader concluded, “The members of the Alabama House Republican Caucus join me in lifting up the Wheeler family in this time of need and asking God to give them strength and consolation in the days ahead. Godspeed, good friend. You will be missed.”

UPDATE 11:30 a.m.:

Gov. Kay Ivey released a statement reacting to Wheeler’s sudden passing.

“Rep. Wheeler was a good man, devoted to his values, his community and our entire state,” said Ivey. “He was taken from us too soon, and I know he will be missed by all, especially by the people he served in Jefferson County. His wife Diane and all of his loved ones are in my prayers.”

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL