James Franklin Wessinger, Jr.

James Franklin Wessinger, Jr., age 92 of Chapin, SC died on December 26, 2022. He was born in Chapin, SC, on October 31, 1930. He was the oldest son of James Franklin, Sr. and Georgia Olivia Helmly Wessinger.

James Franklin lived his entire life on Wessinger Road. He loved telling stories about his community and would not miss a chance to tell new neighbors how things were "back in the day". (He was known to embellish the truth on some of those stories.) In his teens and early 20s, he was the mandolin player in a local band. He served in the Army from 1948 to 1949 and was stationed in El Paso, Texas, and then served for several years in the National Guard.

After his discharge, he worked at the Chapin furniture store for a few years. He changed careers and began a long career as an equipment technician with Thompson Dental Company and later with Patterson Dental Company. Dentists across South Carolina and Georgia knew him as "Wes" and often was the only technician they would let work on their equipment because he could fix almost anything.

He loved being outside. He enjoyed gardening (or at least riding his tractor) and tending to his numerous fruit and nut trees.

He spent numerous hours in his woodworking shop and made many pieces of furniture. He also enjoyed repairing and refinishing furniture. Hanging in his shop is a picture of his grandfather, Henry Baylis Wessinger, who he often said would help him figure out how to make a piece of furniture or solve a problem.

He was an avid fisherman, especially frequenting the South Carolina coast and later in life developed a love for salmon fishing on the Alaskan Kenia Peninsula.

Of his many talents, a favorite was his ability to BBQ pork. He built a custom above-ground pit and was the pit master for over 30 years of family gatherings. There were many tales told during the night when the hog was being cooked. A good time was had by all, and we will leave it at that.

He was a lifelong member of Saint Thomas Lutheran Church, including numerous appointments to the church council and various positions. He was a man of great faith. He loved the LORD and he loved his Church.

Whether on or off the job, he lived as a dedicated servant to those in need.

He is survived by his wife, Edith Riley Wessinger; daughters, Virginia Padgett, Janet Tapp (Allen) and son, Franklin Wessinger (Leslie Smith); four grandchildren, Cullen (Elizabeth) Padgett, Hampton (Christine) Padgett, Caroline Tapp and Blake Wessinger and two great-granddaughters, Layla and Airlie Padgett. He is also survived by his brothers, Lewis Wessinger and Lee Wessinger and sister, Marjorie Wessinger Summer.

He was predeceased by his parents, James Franklin, Sr. and Georgia Helmly Wessinger; brother, Henry Edward Wessinger and son-in-law, Wade Hampton Padgett III.

Visitation will be on Friday, December 30, 2022 from 1:00 to 1:45 pm in the Parish Hall followed by the funeral service at 2:00 pm at St. Thomas Lutheran Church.

Memorials may be made to St. Thomas Lutheran Church.

A special thank you to the family and friends who supported him and the staff of the Memory Care Center at Harbison Shores for their loving care and support.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanchapin.com for the Wessinger family.