Ted L Wampler, Sr. - age 86 of Lenoir City, Founder of Wampler's Farm Sausage, passed away Sunday, April 10th, 2016. Ted was a longtime member and Sunday School Teacher at Crossroads Church of the Nazarene, formerly known as White Wing Church of the Nazarene. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the United States Army.

Ted was Chairman of the Board of Wampler's Farm Sausage. He served many years on the Board of Directors of First National Bank and also served as Chairman of the Board. Ted served as Justice of the Peace in an era of Tennessee history that has now past. He was the last living justice to have had both legislative and judicial power as a trial justice. Ted served as Foreman of Loudon County Grand Jury, on the Loudon County Board of Education as Chairman from 1975-1980, and Chairman of the Loudon County Vocational Governing Board during the same period. He served several years in the Executive Board of Directors of the Loudon County Rescue Squad. He was a Charter Member and Past President of the Eaton Ruritan Club. Ted was Past President of the Tennessee Meat Packers Association. Ted was a member of the American Legion and Avery Lodge #593 F&AM for well over 50 years.

Ted and his wife, Frances were very active in The Compassionate Friends and served as Chapter Leaders for many years. Ted was author of the book " Will Our Tears Forever Flow" and gave many talks to church and civic groups on understanding grief. He also enjoyed giving humorous talks to senior citizens groups. Ted and Frances were both inducted into the Loudon County Hall of Fame.

Ted was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Lee Wampler Hitch; parents, Riley and Edith Phillips Wampler; great-granddaughters, June Louise and Hazel Ann Denton.

He is survived by his childhood sweetheart and wife of 65 years, Frances Wilburn Wampler; children and spouses: Ruth Ann and Edwin R. Blackburn, Ted Jr. and Sherri Wampler, John Edd and Kathy Wampler; son-in-law, Al Hitch; foster daughter, Karen Hansen; foster son, Borce Lazarov and wife, Kristin and their sons, Constatine and Sebastian; grandchildren and spouses: Sarah and Patrick Phelps, Amy and Jeff Martin, Adam and Ashley Denton, Jim and Lauren Hitch, Stephanie and Eric Pyle, Martha and Dave Behm, Trae Wampler and fiancee, Sadee Hanson, Andrew and Estefania Allen, Kristen and Aaron Gentry, Andrew and Steffie Wampler, Grace and Jace Haun, John Riley Wampler; great-grandchildren: Marlee and Bailey Pyle, James and Lewis Hitch, Ayrton Allen, Gabriel Gentry, and Clara Kate Haun; special first cousin, Harry Wampler and special friend, Mary Frances Whitaker.

The family will receive friends from 3-8 p.m. Monday and from 3-8 p.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Lenoir City. Funeral services will follow at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the church with Rev. Don Hawkins and Rev. Ray Couey officiating. Family and friends will gather at the funeral home by 10 a.m. Wednesday and proceed to the Pleasant Hill Cemetery for 10:30 a.m. graveside services with Rev. Darrell Griffis officiating. Full military honors will be conferred by the Loudon County Veterans Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads Church of the Nazarene or the Child Advocacy Center.

Click Funeral Home in Lenoir City is in charge of arrangements.