Henry Dennis Wetherington

Henry Dennis Wetherington of Valdosta, decorated Vietnam War veteran, died October 15, 2006 peacefully at home after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a community leader and owner of the local auto parts stores.
The son of the late Roger Vincent and Ruby Jones Wetherington, Dennis was born on February 4, 1946. He was the owner/operator of the NAPA stores, founded by his father in 1945, and lived in Valdosta most of his life.
Serving in the Army, he completed two combat tours in Vietnam. In January 1966, he began his first tour with the 173rd Airborne Brigade stationed at Bien Hoa He spent 300 days in the jungle as a Radio Telephone Operator, a Forward Observer and finally as a Squad Leader.
On his return to the USA, he received training for the Special Forces in Operations Intelligence. He returned to Vietnam in October of 1967 and served with the 5th Special Forces Group at Preklok, working with indigenous troops in Cambodia.
He ended his military career as a 1st Lieutenant in Company A of the 121st Infantry Unit Special Forces Group of the National Guard Reserve. His decorations included an Army Commendation Medal for heroism in ground combat in the Republic of Vietnam, an Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service in the Republic of Vietnam, an Air Medal for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight, Several Purple Hearts for wounds received in Action in the Republic of Vietnam, Two Bronze Stars with Valor for heroism in ground combat in the Republic of Vietnam, and the Silver Star with Valor for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam. He was a true hero in every sense of the word.
Dennis attended Valdosta High School and was a graduate Valdosta State College earning a BA in Philosophy.
As an active member of the community, he was on the Board of Directors for the Valdosta Wildcats Touchdown Club. He believed his training as a Wildcat under Wright Bazemore helped prepare him for many achievements and success.
He coached football, baseball and softball for the YMCA and coached football with the Boys Club. He founded the NAPA Dogs football dynasty.
Dennis was a Past Master of the Azalea City Masonic Lodge 716 and past president of the Lions Club. He chaired the Knights Templar Foundation for the blind for 20 years and worked tirelessly toward restoring sight to those who could not afford treatment and surgery.
He leaves his wife of 25 years, Sherry Cain Wetherington, his three daughters Becky Luke (Kevin), Brooke Wetherington, Laura Wetherington, one son, John Dennis Wetherington and one grandson, Cameron Luke. He also leaves one brother, Roger V. Wetherington, Jr. (Andra), one sister Janice W. Evans (Lindy), his parents-in-law, Jack, Sr. and Jeanette Cain, one brother-in law Jack Cain (Donna), two special cousins Eleanor Chandler (Kim), Katherine Smith and many nieces and nephews.
Dennis loved his God, Family, Country, NAPA and Valdosta Wildcats.
The family will receive friends on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at Park Avenue United Methodist Church with services following at 7:30 p.m. at the church. Burial will follow at a later date in Arlington Cemetery. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Hospice of South Georgia or the Knights Templar Eye Foundations. Condolences to the family may be conveyed on the obituary page at www.mclanefuneralservices.com.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602