Compatriot Bill Wendt
It is with deep sorrow that I share the passing of our esteemed compatriot, Mr. William (Bill) Wendt, who departed on 12 December 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. For those who may not have known him, Bill was more than just a member of the Joseph Greer Chapter; he was a cornerstone of our chapter, a past president whose passion for history and dedication to our mission left an indelible mark.
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| Bill Went (L) and Rick Laws ((R) at the Redstone Arsenal Officers Club. Supporting the US Army Field Artillery Association with the display of a 3lb "Grasshopper" cannon and other artifacts. |
Bill's legacy includes his instrumental role in the recovery and reconstruction of the Joseph Greer House at Camp Blount. His tireless efforts and unwavering commitment were key to the chapter receiving the National Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), Historic Preservation Certificate. Bill’s expertise drove the successful recovery and storage of the house's components and facilitated the engineering plans that earned the approval of the Tennessee Wars Commission, laying the groundwork for reconstruction in Fayetteville, Tennessee.
Not one to settle for less, Bill sourced historically accurate materials with meticulous care, often coordinating with local sawmills and salvaging logs and stones from historical sites to ensure authenticity while minimizing costs. His personal visits to various historical log home sites and the construction of his own log cabin turned him into our trusted authority on historical accuracy and building techniques.
Bill's dedication extended beyond logistics; he recorded the entire log recovery process, guaranteeing that the correct placement of the major logs would be preserved during reconstruction. At his own expense, he acquired period-correct materials, from wrought iron nails to door latches, even collaborating with blacksmiths to reproduce handmade hardware reflective of the era.
Bill’s love for history and his profound knowledge were reflected in everything he touched. His invaluable contributions have equipped us with all the major materials needed to complete the reconstruction of Joseph Greer’s dogtrot house, a tribute to the "Messenger of Kings Mountain." A man who spent years with Monsanto Chemical, Bill lived in the history he preserved and shared with us all. His wisdom, fairness, and tempered counsel will be missed by all who knew him. Personally, I will deeply miss his friendship and insight.
Let us take a moment to honor Bill's memory and celebrate the legacy he leaves behind. His contributions will continue to resonate within our chapter and beyond for years to come.
In patriotic remembrance,
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| Rick Laws (L) and Bill Wendt (R) in support of cemetery program in Greenville, TN. |
