AHMI mourns passing of Wendell Cramer
AHMI mourns the passing of Wendell Cramer, founder and owner of W.M. Cramer Lumber Co. in Hickory, NC. Below is his obituary and service arrangements.
Wendell Michael Cramer August 19, 1936 – March 3, 2024
Surrounded by family, Wendell Cramer passed away peacefully on March 3, 2024. He was born to the late Cassian Peter Cramer and Lillian Bresnahan Cramer in Butler, PA. After attending Davis & Elkins College in Elkins, WV, Wendell served three years in the army. With a passion for flying, he obtained his pilots license during his college years and became President of the Elkins Pilot Club.
Wendell married his wife, Judy, in 1964 and joined the hardwood sales force with Georgia Pacific in Augusta, GA. After starting his own lumber brokerage business in 1969, he moved the business, WM Cramer Lumber Co., to Hildebran, NC, in 1971, expanding to a large concentration yard with sawmills in WV, a kiln drying company in KY, and distribution yards in GA and FL.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Judy, daughter Kim Vollinger (Mark), son Michael Cramer (Kacey), three grandsons; Jonathan Vollinger (Kristen), Michael Vollinger (Stacey), Zane Cramer, four wonderful great-grandchildren and a number of very special nieces and nephews.
Wendell was a true example of a generous Christian serving his Lord. He received much joy from giving to others of his timer, talent, and treasure. His love of flying allowed him to fulfill requests to fly patients for medical treatments or other family emergencies.
As an active member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church, he sang in the choir for more than 50 yrs, and served on the building campaign as well as the Diocesan Foundation. Not only was Wendell a devout Christian, an amazing husband and father, he also gave time back to the lumber industry and the community. In industry he served as President of the Appalachian Lumbermen’s Club, Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, the Hardwood Federation, and NHLA. In community he was a lifetime member of the Hickory Kiwanis Club, where he served as President and Lt. Governor. He also served on the Board of Directors of Valdese General Hospital, BB&T, and Davis & Elkins College.
In addition to flying, Wendell enjoyed hunting, playing tennis and golf, fishing, and horseback riding. With a love of music, he was a former member of the Carolina Moonlighters and the WV Highlanders Bagpipe Band.
A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 9th, at 2pm in St. Aloysius Catholic Church followed by a private graveside committal at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers memorials may include Maryvale Sisters Convent, 2522 June Bug Rd., Vale, NC 28168, Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658, or St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 921 2nd St. NE, Hickory, NC 28601.