Oct 31, 1934 — Oct 20, 2016
On Thursday, October 20, 2016 Harry Wayne Wampler passed from this life into the next. In keeping with the exceptional way he lived his almost 82 years, Harry died peacefully surrounded by his family. Harry made a difference in hundreds of lives everywhere throughout his very influential life. He was born October 31, 1934 in Lenoir City to Reverend Joe and Agnes Wampler. He was the oldest of 7 children. Harry graduated from Lenoir City High School. He was in the Army Reserves and learned his love for cooking as a military chef. He began at Wampler's Farm Sausage and has been in the meat packing business for a lifetime, even until the week of his death. Harry was the greatest of entrepreneurs, wisest in the civic, county, and community affairs, most generous of caregivers, and most passionate in his love for God and his family. Harry is known for his uncommon integrity and character.
While highly effective in business, some of his best work has been done as a volunteer in a variety of organizations. To mention a few, he was a deacon and chaired many committees at First Baptist Church of Lenoir City. He was a Lenoir City Councilman for 26 years and Vice Mayor for Lenoir City 16 years as well as serving on Lenoir City Utilities Board for 26 years. His state involvement included being the Republican Party Chairman of Loudon County 1964-1975, 2003-2007. State Republican Executive Committee, 1970-1974. "Statesman of the Year"2003, Electoral College member 1970-74, Tennessee State House of Representatives,2007-2008 and chairman of political campaigns of state, local, and county for Presidents, Governors, Senators, House Representatives and local officials.
Harry also served on many boards such as Baptist Hospital, Roane State Community College, Harrison Chilhowie School, Small Business Bureau, United Way, SunTrust Bank, Third National Bank, Bank of Loudon County, founder and board member of Ft Loudon Savings and Loan. Harry was a member, president and named "Man of the Year" in the local Civitan Club. In addition, he was named "Man of the Year" for the Boys and Girls Club.
Harry joins his family in heaven with his parents, Joe and Agnes Wampler; his brother, Bobby Wampler; and his sister, Bennie Wampler Roach. He is happy to be with his ‘brother', Cousin Ted Wampler, Sr. and brother in law, Richard "Bud" Wilburn. Harry leaves behind and survived by his wife; Jennifer Lauderdale Wampler; sons- Joseph Wampler, Jeremiah (Shinae) Wampler, Tim (Chita) Wampler, Chris (Angela) Wampler, Paul (Beth) Wampler; grandchildren- Aaron Wampler, Rachel (Weston) Overton, Becca (Taylor) Kagley, Madison (Tyler) Mills, McKenzie Wampler, Norris Wampler, Cassie Wampler, Zachary Wampler, Adam Wampler, and Wilder Wampler; sweet siblings- Newell (Leonard) Grimes, Violet (the late Richard "Bud") Wilburn, Janet (Alvin) Clemmer, and Riley (Vicki) Wampler; many cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family will receive and celebrate with friends on Saturday October 22, 2016 1-5:00 pm and Sunday October 23, 2016 3-6:00 pm at First Baptist Church, 2085 Simpson Road, Lenoir City,37772. A celebration service will be held at 6:00 pm on Sunday October 23, 2016 in the First Baptist Church sanctuary. The interment service will be 11 am on Monday at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Lenoir City. Full military honors will be conferred by the Loudon County Veterans Honor Guard. Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to The First Baptist Church Building fund (First Baptist Church, 2085 Simpson Road, Lenoir City, TN 37772) or the Hispanic Church, Iglesia Bautista de La Fe (1965 Martel Road Lenoir City, TN 37772) Now as you make your way homeward, rejoice in the Hope that's taken hold of you.
Click Funeral Home, 109 Walnut Street, Lenoir City is in charge of arrangements.