Jack Wirtz, 94

Jack Wirtz, 94, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on January 9, 2016, at Sunnybrook Assisted Living. He is now home with his Lord and Savior following a year of declining health.
Jack was born June 24, 1921, in Colon, Panama, to William and Elizabeth Theurer Wirtz, the 10th of 11 children. Home was Cristobal in Colon Province, the Panama Canal Zone, where his father was an engineer on the construction of the Panama Canal. He called himself “The Original Panama Jack.” When his father retired, the family built a home in Horse Shoe, NC. Jack graduated from Mills River High School in 1941.
He joined the U.S. Navy in 1943 and served on the newly-commissioned USS Hollandia. This distinction made Jack a Plank Owner. He became a Water Tender 2nd Class, responsible for the fresh water and steam system for the ship and crew.
Jack married Beulah Fisher in 1954. She passed away from cancer ten years later. He married Helen Patrick from Gaffney, SC, on October 10, 1965. She preceded him in death in late September, 2015.
Jack is survived by his loving son, William Patrick; his blessed daughter-in-law, Ann; his dear sister, Gertrude Vavak (NV); and many nieces, nephews and family, including Gretchen Williams(Roger) and her mother, Gladys Wirtz (Chester) of Zirconia, NC; and Barry Vavak (Cheryl) of Waynesville, NC, who were especially close.
He was very active in church, first at Valley Hill Baptist and then for many years at West Hendersonville Baptist. He is a current member of Main Street Baptist Church. He served as Deacon, sang in the choir, and maintained the church facilities where it is said, “Jack saved the church a lot of expense because he repaired everything.” Known as the Candy Man, he was also famous for his lemon pies and sugar-coated peanuts which he gave generously to others. Helen was his helpmate in all he did.
Jack retired from DuPont in 1983 after working as a maintenance mechanic. He was especially appreciated on the days he brought Helen’s fresh fried apple pies to work. He loved to fish on the DuPont property.
The family is very grateful for the loving, excellent care Jack received from Sunnybrook Assisted Living, where he resided, and from Four Seasons Compassion for Life. Hospice music therapist Elizabeth Merlin was a special, weekly blessing.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 14, at Main Street Baptist Church, Hendersonville, NC from 1 until 2:00 PM. A celebration of life service will immediately follow at 2:00, led by the Rev. Charles Magnet and the Rev. Tracy Fletcher. Burial will be at Oakdale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, or to Main Street Baptist Church at www.tmcfunding.com.
To offer online condolences please visit www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.
Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.