I would like to send my condolences to the entire family on their loss.  He was a wonderful man with an infectious spirit, he could always keep a room laughing.

Susie and Joe I'm glad I got to catch up with you recently.  Please give Doe-doe a big hug from me.

Pam and Tom, I am sorry for your loss and although your father lived a long life, you didn't want him to suffer, so God has taken care of that. May you and your family hold on to the many memories your father has left for you all.

I have many wonderful memories of Lewis Wimmer and his family growing up as neighbors in Traylor Estates.  We had many camping trips, crab pickin's, wash tub  & guitar playin' get togethers and much much more.  There were many adventures out on the farm with the cows and pigs and tractors as well.  Those memories will never fade and I thank God for the opportunity to have Lewis & his family as a chapter in my life.

Lewis Wimmer was my role model for how to be a good father-in-law and I hope I have applied the lessons he taught well; others will have to be the judge of that.

Our relationship did not necessarily get off to the greatest start.   The first time I was invited by Pam to come down and visit overnight, I had to seep outside in their camping trailer.  The story I was told was that the house did not have air conditioning and it was actually cooler to sleep outside in the camper.  To this day, I am not sure how much he trusted this long haired hippie who was interested in his daughter.

Maybe it was after he had learned of my farming background, he made me feel quite accepted.  I am not sure of the exact defining moment, but one of my fondest memories was at our wedding.  After walking my future wife down the aisle, he gently put his arm around me and gave a gentle nudge, pushing Pam and I together.  If there was ever any doubts about how he felt about me with Pam, that act of affection removed them.

Thus he became my role model as to how to be a good father in law.  There are hundreds of things (or more) I have learned from him, not the least of which is the big breakfast in the morning for my children and grandchildren.  I will never be able to fix sausage gravy the way he did (and maybe that is a good thing), but I hope the chocolate chip pancakes are an adequate substitute.  

I do think he finally stopped commenting on my need for a haircut when my hair turned gray.

Growing up in Virginia I was lucky enough to live next door to the Wimmer family. I always will remember what great neighbors the whole family was. Led by Mr. Wimmer (Lewis), always kind, patient and willing to help, teach and put up with those noisy Clark kids next store. The times he allowed us to share on the farm in Gum Spings, the things I learned still effect my like today. Thank you Lewis for all you added to my and everyone's lives you touch.

It is our honor to have the blessing of Lewis Wimmer in our lives for such a long time! Whitey was the fun loving, hard working, kindest man we knew. There is and always will be a special place in our hearts for the love we shared with him! God's peace to all of his loved ones at this difficult time of loss.
Dan, Belinda, Tiffany, Dane, Kirby and Christophe Martin

Another piece of my family past has slipped away and we are all the poorer for it. Although my connection is more with Jr's parents, Aunt Sarah and Uncle Lewis (to me), I do not know if I ever met Jr. personally. But his daughter Pam and I found each other this past year. I guess we are second cousins as my dad, Ed Mills, would have been a first cousin of Jr. One of the sweetest memories of my childhood is that happy little white frame house in Salem opposite the brickyard. Grandma and Grandaddy Mills, Newt and Effie, used to take me there to visit in Grandaddy's brand new "53 Chevy coupe. There was so much fun and laughter and joy in that little white house. Uncle Lewis was always kidding about something and Aunt Sarah always had a delightful twinkle in her eye. I'm sure that sweet little house is mourning today, as we all are, from the loss of another family patriarch.

Honoring my Uncle Lewis Wimmer who passed away this morning in Richmond at the beautiful age of 93. He was wildly intelligent, humorous and hard-working - and he reared an amazing family with his beautiful wife, Polly. 
 Lewis was also the one who encouraged his baby brother - Jack - my pop! - to go to engineering school. Mom was telling me the other night that he and Polly used to send them $25 a week - which actually covered groceries back in those days - when Dad was in college. 
 I will remember many things about Lewis - his sense of humor, his love of bluegrass, those Mercedes he always drove, and how he let me drive the tractor - well, sort of - out at his farm in Louisa County. (Oh - and there is no such thing as hugging a cow. Long story.)
 I will also remember the look on his face - the wonder in those eyes - when I showed him Alaska a few years back. What a spectacular gift I got on that one...
 No one would ever accuse the Wimmer men of being "shy." ... Far from it....He and Dad crack me up with their cut-to-the-chase attitude. (I think that is a nice way of saying "frank comments." Ha!)
 But they are also known for being honest and strong and loyal and humorous - and so CURIOUS about life - which is one of things I admire most - that curiosity.
 I send big love and deep prayers to Polly and my cousins and the family.. I will see you soon.
 ...And to my own Dad - who is sitting in the sun room right now - oak strong - and even a little willow wild like his baby girl ....
 Aren't we lucky, Dad? Aren't we blessed?
 What a brother...What an uncle.

I feel so blessed to have had Granddad in my life for as long as I did. You can't pick your family, but if I could have, I would have picked this one, and he is a big reason for that. He's been through a lot in his 93 years. He married a wonderful woman and they raised some great kids, who in turn, raised some pretty awesome kids. My grandfather was good at telling stories, good at listening while you told yours, could always make you laugh or smile, and he enjoyed life. He loved being outside, working with his hands, and being productive. And he loved his family. He showed us all how to be a good father or grandfather, how to be a good person, and how to be open and welcoming to anyone who came across his path. I will always hold fondly the memories I have of spending my vacations with him and my grandmother, the time spent at the farm, time spent on the deck at the beach, time just spent being silly and laughing. My life is richer for having had him in it. The world would be a better place of there were more people like him in it. I hope he has found his loved ones in the plane beyond this one, and I am glad to know that he is no longer suffering. Be at peace, Granddad.

                    Jr., My Brother, My IDOL
One of my first memories of Jr. my older brother was when he came home from the Naval Air Corp.He brought 2 sets of 16 ounce boxing gloves for my other brother (Ray) and me.  He was always a prankster, so he got Ray and me to box (who was also older and bigger).  Needless to say I lost that bout as my brother knocked me out.  I hit my head on concrete, so I am surprised that I remember any of this story. One other time he was on leave and he brought Roman Candles and both he and Ray teamed up on me, throwing  them at me......but I got one good aim at Jr. hitting him between the eyes and bringing a little blood.  He went into the house and told Mama he would not play with me any more as I was too "rough", 14 years his junior.
     Another fond memory was when he was training in the Naval Air Corp at Roanoke College.  We were privy to seeing him march in parades and it always made me so proud. Also he would fly his blue and white piper cub over our house and almost top the huge oak tree.  Momma would come out waving her apron and motioning for him to go back.  I could see him grinning from the cockpit.
     Jr. influenced my life in so may ways.  He was instrumental in me getting membership in the Jackson River Hunt club. I still enjoy hunting, fishing).as well as encouraging me to go college and pursue Electrical Engineering. He was my biggest cheerleader while in college, both financially and giving encouragement.
      Through the years I have stayed close with Jr. and Polly and have admired their family closeness, loyalty to each other and derived guidance in establishing my own family values.
     Rest in peace Jr. and  I will meet you some day. Brother  Jack

Can't express my sorrow about the passing of Jr. He was a pillow in this family. Polly, you had a lot of great years and those memories will be with you and the kids.  My prayers are with you. May God watch over you and the family.With love, Barbara Ann, Ricky and Kenny

WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH THE FAMILY AT THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME
NEW VISION RICHMOND TELEPHONE PIONEERS

I only knew Lewis for a short few years when I moved to Louisa and started helping another farmer (Roy Sheridan).  Lewis made me feel like we`d been friends for years.  He was never too busy to stop and help a friend and never to proud to ask for help. He loved his cows, especially the ones that roamed up and down the road!  Sorry for your loss and yes, we will all miss him.
Steve Hopkins

Susan,
It's your old roommate from a zillion years ago. I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. I know of your pain as my dad passed away in 2004.I hope your life has been a good one since we last saw each other. I'm living in Richmond and enjoying life  as a nurse thinking of retirement. May you find comfort now and in the days ahead. Candace Huzek Shifflett

As President of Woody Funeral Home, I extend our deepest sympathy from all our staff for your loss. We are committed to providing the utmost care to you at this time and throughout the days to come. Our purpose is to assist and serve you in a manner that exceeds your expectations. We pledge to strive to merit the trust you have reposed in us.

OBITUARY

William Jr., Whitey Lewis Wimmer Jr.

28 April, 1922 – 29 December, 2015

Woody Funeral Home Huguenot Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services