William Darryl Wheatley

William Darryl Wheatley, a devoted partner, father, and best friend, went to be with the Lord on October 10, 2024, after a long battle against cancer. Born on January 6, 1961, and raised in New Deroche, Arkansas, Darryl lived his life as a carpenter, builder/contractor of residential homes, and as a cattleman. Darryl was a social butterfly, filled with laughter and incredible wit, and dedicated to his family and friends. Darryl is survived by his best friend/soulmate, Karen Wheatley, their children, Ian Jenkins (Darian), Logan McNanna (Wyatt), and Loren "Abby" Wheatley; brother, Wayne Wheatley; and grandchildren, River Jenkins and "arriving soon" Baby McNanna. He is preceded in death by his parents, Leo & Barbara Wheatley, and sister, Debbie Goodwin. From sun up to sun down, Darryl was always on the go and busy building homes, fixing heavy equipment, baling hay with his best friends, working cattle, helping Karen garden or building projects they both dreamed to bring to life, and helping others. His life was spent with laughter and loyalty to those he loved. Friends and family are left with memories of his jokes, love for storytelling, and uncanny ability to find humor in the most challenging situations. Darryl left his mark on this state by building hundreds of custom homes in Hot Springs, Malvern, and Arkadelphia, plus the River Walk Apartments and other large projects in Arkansas. Karen helped him create small country subdivisions for young families for their community in Bismarck, AR. Darryl was exceptionally talented and skilled at every phase of a home build or construction. Contractors knew him as a true friend that started winter projects to keep income flowing during holidays for their families. Darryl loved the ladies. Especially the four-legged kind called "momma cows." He worked tirelessly to make sure his "girls" were taken care of. Together with Karen and his best friends, they bonded over late-night calf pulls in freezing weather, tracking down missing cows and calves, fixing fences, and being his own vet. He blessed every garage with orphaned calves his children learned to raise. Darryl found great joy helping older cattlemen care for their "girls."He was a true cattleman in his heart. Darryl's adventurous spirit, when young, led him to own race horses at Oaklawn, ride bulls in rodeos, and hang out with his best friend/brother Bradley Hardin. Darryl and Karen's love is a testament to their love for God, their mutual respect for each other's talents, and raising educated children with Christian values to ground them in life. Fighting cancer was a "project" that required both their dedication, and even when Darryl lost his ability to speak, he used his own sign language developed over decades of working together to help Karen care for him. Darryl faded away in the home he built beside his soulmate and his children. Karen worked hard to make his last wish come true: to never leave his land. She established Wheatley Memorial Garden (located adjacent to Estep Cemetery, New Derouche, AR) in his honor. As Darryl often said, "It's Good Enough For Whose Gett'n It." The family recognizes the truly outstanding medical personnel who helped save Darryl's life many times on this journey. THANK YOU! Honorary Pall Bearers: Dr. Brandt, Dr. Halter, Dr. Divers, CHI St. Vincent, and all the staff at Genesis Cancer Institute. Memorial Service: Thursday, October 17th, 2:00 to 3:30 PM, Atkinson Funeral Home (Chapel), Malvern, AR. Darryl wished for a casual gathering for family and friends to share memories with laughter. Graveside Service: Wheatley Memorial Garden (Estep Cemetery Hwy 84) immediately following Memorial Service. Pallbearers: Bradley Hardin, Timmy Don Hughes, Rodney (Hot Rod) Lewallen, Elijah Jerome (E.J.) Daniels, Alan (Slim) Hughes, and Wyatt McNanna. In lieu of flowers, the family requests perennial landscape plants (knockout roses, etc.), which will be planted in Wheatley Memorial Garden. www.atkinsonfuneralhome.net