Hugh Oliver Wentz Sr.

Mr. Hugh Oliver Wentz, Sr., age 72, of Charlotte, NC passed away on Monday, April 15, 2013 at his home after a three year battle with cancer surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Charlotte, NC on July 1, 1940. He was a lifelong resident of Mecklenburg County. He was the son of the late Edgar Jackson Wentz and Laura Lamby Dover Wentz. He was preceded in death by a sister Patricia Dean Wentz, brothers Dolphus Franklin Wentz, Sr. and Billy Melvin Wentz, Sr., sisters-in-law Dorothy A. Wentz, Mildred S. Wentz, and Linda W. Goldston and brother-in-law Joe Harold Deese, Sr.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many and will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He had a love in his heart for his Lord Jesus. His sweet spirit was an inspiration to family and friends. He lived a life of servanthood in every aspect of his life. He lived well and loved well and will always be remembered.

He was an active member of Eastway Baptist Church and former member of Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church. He served his churches in many capacities, and at the time of his death was Head Deacon. Every member of his church was like family to him and he loved each of them dearly.

He graduated from Central High School in 1958 and worked for the Charlotte Police Department, Northwestern Bank, Pearlman’s Furniture, Kimbrell’s Furniture, and the Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court, retiring in 2000 as Manager of the Bookkeeping Department.

The Central High School class of 1958 held a very special place in his heart. He enjoyed the monthly luncheons and dinner gatherings. For the past several years he published a quarterly newsletter, "The Rambler", for his class. He also held family very dear and has been the President of the annual Dover-Thornburg Reunion for countless years.

Hugh is survived by his beloved wife of almost 50 years, Beverly Walters Wentz, daughter Sherri Wentz Shepard and husband Kevin of Cary, NC, and son Hugh (Chip) Oliver Wentz, Jr. and wife Ellen of Cary, NC.

Four grandchildren Courtney Shepard, Collin Shepard, Jackson Wentz, and Philip Wentz, and a special goddaughter Chelsea Heath Humphrey and husband John of Buford, GA.

Two brothers Robert L. Wentz and wife Tulon, and Howard S. Wentz and wife Margaret all of Charlotte. Three sisters Sarah W. Deese of Charlotte, Verta W. Barrett and husband Bobby of Stallings, and Barbara W. Powell and husband Richard of Rock Hill. Four brothers-in-law J. David Walters and wife Nancy of Longwood, FL, Patrick E. Walters and wife Carol Koball of Charlotte, Michael E. Walters and wife Kathy of Monroe and Joseph W. Goldston of Laurinburg. Sister-in-law Cheryl W. Hamlet and husband Russell of Durham. He also has many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be on Wednesday April 17, 2013 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at McEwen Mint Hill Chapel. Funeral services will be held at Eastway Baptist Church on Thursday April 18, 2013 at 2 p.m., conducted by Rev. Michael Owens and Rev. David Gales. Nephews will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Eastway Baptist Church, 2749 Eastway Drive, Charlotte, NC 28205 or to Presbyterian Hospice Palliative Care, PO Box 33549, Charlotte, NC 28233.

Please visit Hugh’s online memorial at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com