Don Wamp was one of the greatest people I have ever had the pleasure to know. Don was the same whether you saw him at a political event, on the street or at a construction site. He was always a true Southern gentleman and nowhere was that more obvious than in the way he treated his wife, Beth. He was also a man who valued his family and took every opportunity to tell you how proud he was of them.
When Fred Skillern and I were asked for a list of three architects to choose from for the design of the new Soddy Elementary, we had a very short discussion (about one minute). Our number one choice was Don Wamp, our number two choice was Don Wamp and our number three choice was Don Wamp. Don's school designs were practical, efficient and common sense. Don always kept the teachers and students in mind in his designs and was open for suggestions from faculty about how to improve things. The schools Don designed were Daisy, Snow Hill, Wolftever, Wallace A. Smith, Spring Creek, Red Bank, John Allen, Soddy and, most recently, East Ridge Elementary.
I am heartbroken for the Wamp family. I know each one of them will miss him terribly. But, I also know that God certainly gave them a double blessing by giving them such a wonderful man for a husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle.
I valued Don's friendship. He once told Kenny Smith that he was his favorite Democrat and his second favorite school board member. I am so glad Kenny shared that with me. Now I know why I thought Don was such a smart man.
I will miss seeing Don and his big smile. I will miss getting Don's kiss on the cheek. But, I am certain, he is in a better place.
I hope Beth, Zach, Allison, Louie, Trent and all of the Wamps find comfort in knowing that they have many friends who are keeping them in their prayers.
Rhonda Thurman
Rthrm@aol.com
* * *
Rhonda Thurman’s tribute to Don Wamp was right on the mark. What a remarkable funeral service was held today to remember this wonderful man.
The thing I remember most from my first meeting with Mr. Wamp in 1994 was his warm smile and gentle reception to a person he did not know. Over the years, I enjoyed every encounter I had with him and time spent with Don Wamp was time spent with a person who cared deeply for every individual he met. I will miss him.
Davis Lundy
Hamilton County