David R. Whikehart, Ph.D., of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 5, 2023. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, professor emeritus, researcher, sailor, photographer, and avid model railroader. He was born on August 21st, 1939, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Mary Evelyn and Ralph Whikehart.
Dr. Whikehart attended the Franciscan Preparatory Seminary during high school and graduated in 1957. He then spent time studying Latin, Greek and philosophy at the seminary with intent on becoming a Catholic priest. After a few years of reflective teaching at Catholic University in Washington DC, he decided to continue his career in the sciences. He graduated from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh with a BA in Science in 1965. He continued his studies at West Virginia University and received a Ph.D. in biochemistry in 1969. Soon after, Dr. Whikehart completed a postdoctoral fellowship in biological chemistry at Harvard University and a fellowship in neurobiology at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He joined the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 1978 as an assistant tenured professor at the School of Optometry, rising to full professor in the Department of Vision Sciences.
At UAB, Dr. Whikehart taught medical and dental students and conducted pioneering research on diabetes and aging of the eye. He published over 29 papers and wrote two editions of a leading textbook for his classroom, Biochemistry of the Eye. He mentored generations of students and vision scientists. Dr. Whikehart was honored with UAB's President's Award for Teaching Excellence in 2007. He retired in 2009 after 30 plus years of service. Dr. Whikehart was appointed professor emeritus by the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees in 2010.
Outside of work, David had many hobbies and passions including photography, competitive sailboat racing, and building model trains. He ran a wedding photography business after retirement from UAB with his wife, Marlene. He also enjoyed nature photography and sold many of his pictures in local art shows. He loved racing his sailboat in weekend regattas with the Birmingham Sailing Club (BSC) at Logan Martin Lake for decades. He became a certified sailing race officer and planned races for the fleet. David was an avid model train enthusiast and president of The Wrecking Crew model railroad club as well. For many years, he helped organize intricate train displays at the McWane Science Center's annual holiday exhibit in Birmingham. He was a member of the National Model Railroad Association for ten years and received a Chief Dispatcher Award for superior achievement in hobby model railroading.
David was an active member at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Hoover, AL. He was a member of the Liturgical Committee, a thirty-year veteran of the Folk Choir, and was very dedicated to their Bell Choir. Music was his passion and he dedicated countless hours preparing for the Easter and Christmas seasons. At home, he often played the piano and enjoyed listening to various styles of music.
Dr. Whikehart is survived by his loving family including his wife of 54 years, Marlene Hoffman Whikehart; his daughters, Erin Whikehart Freeman, and Kristy Whikehart Neal; his son in laws, Joshua Kimbrell Freeman and Raymond Patrick Neal, and his grandson, Andrew Thomas Freeman.
Visitation will be held at 11:00am Saturday, August 19 th , 2023, at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Hoover, Alabama. A funeral mass will follow at noon with a procession of the burial of ashes to the Columbarium at the church immediately after. A Celebration of Life will follow in the parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dr. Whikehart's memory to Little Sisters of the Poor. Dr. Whikehart touched many lives through his kindness, wisdom, wry humor, and passion for discovery. He was deeply cherished by his family and friends and will be dearly missed.
Link to Little Sisters of the Poor
