John Wanish

Published in The State on October 25, 2009

CHATTANOOGA — This week our friend, brother, son, son-in-law and father, John Matthew Wanish, went to heaven and into the presence of the King of Kings. Our hearts are numb and we have a void inside that will not easily be replaced.

John was born November 21, 1966, in Franklin, Wisconsin. He graduated from Mukwonago High School, Class of 1983. At Mukwonago John was an outstanding athlete, lettering in Baseball, Football and Snow Skiing. After moving to Palm Harbor, Fla., with his mom, Joyce, father, Jim, and his brother, Jimmy, he attended and graduated from St. Petersburg Junior College. John then went on to Florida State University, where he played baseball for the Seminoles.

He pitched in the 1987 College World Series and graduated from FSU in 1989 with a degree in Marketing. John signed a pro contract as a pitcher with the Los Angeles Dodgers and later was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays where he played in their farm system.

After giving up baseball John worked for The Nestle Company and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, where he was promoted to a district manager. He later left Pfizer to accept a position in sales management with Aventis Pharmaceuticals in Columbia, S.C. Later John left Aventis to pursue his heart’s desire of being an agent with State Farm Insurance Companies.

John was predeceased by his father, Jim. He leaves behind his mother, Joyce, the love of his life, Cindy Wanish, his daughter, Taylor, and sons, Tanner and Tal. He also leaves his beloved brother, Jim, and sister-in-law, Bobbi, along with nephews, Braden and Aree, and nieces, Teegan and Shylee.

A memorial service will be held 4 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, 2009, at Gateway Baptist Church, 1651 Dutch Fork Road, Irmo, SC 29063. Reverend Don Brock will preside. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the general fund of Gateway Baptist or to The S.C. Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 100 Executive Center Drive, Suite A4, Columbia, SC 29210.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.