Obituary of Richard Allan Wedmore

Richard Allan Wedmore, 69, went to be with the Lord on January 9, 2024 at his home in Piney Flats, TN. Rich was born October 26, 1954 in Onawa, Iowa. He graduated from South Tama County High School, where he met the love of his life, Joan Abbe. Rich and Joan married on May 14, 1976 and they lovingly spent nearly 48 years together. They lived in Toledo, Iowa and Byron, Illinois before eventually settling in Piney Flats, Tennessee.

In high school, Rich excelled at football and wrestling. During his senior year as a South Tama County Trojan, he placed second in the state of Iowa for wrestling. Rich also took pride in his Iowa farm during the decade they owned it, raising cattle and hogs. He could fix anything that needed repair, and loved to use his Bobcat and tractor for various projects around the farm. Rich spent the majority of his career as a tool and die machinist. His work ethic and drive were unmatched.

Rich was devoted to his family and cherished spending quality time with his children and grandchildren. He was known as Bompa by his grandchildren. He made it a priority to support his children throughout their lives. During Christmas, he found great joy in portraying Santa Claus in the full red velvet costume, black boots, white beard and jingle bells. He loved cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes and playing cards, dominoes, horseshoes and golf. His passion was meat-processing, and he would arrive at any family gathering with a cooler full of brats, sausages and meat sticks to share. He volunteered through his church and always was willing to help a friend, neighbor or stranger in need. His generosity and sense of humor were like no other. Rich will be deeply missed.

In addition to his wife, Rich is survived by son Luke (Tiffany) Wedmore of Greer, SC, daughters Abbey (Tim) Kozel of Simpsonville, SC, and Maggie Wedmore of Greenville, SC. He had five grandchildren: Graham, Hadley and Lillian Wedmore, and Olivia and Tristan Kozel. Also surviving are his brothers, Maynard (Pam) Wedmore, Marlin (Laurie) Wedmore, Pat (Diana) Wedmore, and Mike (Sally) Wedmore, along with sisters-in-law Sandy Leonard, Shelly (Chuck) Vileta, Beth (Barry) Kiser, Lisa (Steve) Stark, Deb Wedmore, and brothers-in-law Gary (Donna) Abbe and David Abbe, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his father and mother, Harold and Bernice Wedmore, sister, Lori Formanek, and brother, Cal Wedmore. A memorial service will be held at a later date