Born August 6, 1946 in Gastonia, NC, he was a son of the late Bruce and Florence Wofford. He attended high school at Sacred Heart Academy in Belmont. He received his undergraduate at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, and his Masters of Fine Arts at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
He is survived by his beloved and loving wife, partner, friend and companion, Fran Kelley; sisters, Betsy W. (Wayne) Bowers and Mary Wofford; brothers, Bruce “Bud” Wofford, Bill (Beth) Wofford, and Richard (Pat) Wofford; and many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Wofford was an artist, teacher and musician. He was a woodwork instructor for the Gaston Skills workshop in Dallas, NC, a Sculpture-Woodworking Instructor/Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and a Sculpture Instructor for the Gaston Community College in Dallas, NC. He received Purchase Awards in the following collections: Lannon Foundation Museum Collection, City National Bank Collection, and in the Northern Telecom Inc. Collection.
His passion for creating art endured for his lifetime, and he filled many pages with sketches for new projects. John was adept at creating abstract sculpture by carving wood, shaping or casting metal, and traditional blacksmithing on his forge. His art has been represented by North and South Carolina galleries.
John was also a talented and respected old-time musician, skilled at playing the guitar, mandolin, banjo, bouzouki and, his favorite, the fiddle. He wrote tunes and played with several bands over the years, and was a founding member of the Charlotte Folk Music Society.
One of his remarkable accomplishments was building a house – by himself! – using lumber cut from the pine trees on their property. Inspired by John’s music and Fran’s love of the native ferns, they christened their home “Fiddlehead,” and shared it with multiple rescued pets.
The family will gather for a private interment at a later date.
For those desiring, contributions in John’s memory may be directed to the Charlotte Folk Society at www.folksociety.org or to your local Humane Society.
Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com
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