John Wanat
John Andrew Wanat, 89, of Ringgold, Georgia, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2025.
Born on Nov. 30, 1935, in Buffalo, New York, he was the son of the late Stanley and Rose Julia Wanat.
A proud U.S. Navy veteran, John was stationed in Pensacola, Fl., where he met and married the love of his life, Rose Sepulvado. They built a beautiful life together filled with love and shared devotion for almost 69 years.
John graduated with honors in 1961 from Northwestern State College of Louisiana. He enjoyed a long and successful career in manufacturing management, including 25 years as the plant manager of Cutter Laboratories. He later completed his career at Intertech of Ohio in Ft. Myers, Florida.
A devout Catholic, John was an active member of St. Gerald Catholic Church for many years. His keen mind, love of all sports, and unwavering devotion to his wife Rose are what he will be most fondly remembered for.
John was proceeded in death by his siblings, Emily Geblein and Stanley Wanat, son Gary Wanat; grandsons Justin Lee and Casey Wanat; granddaughter Savannah Wanat; and son-in-law Reggie Swick.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Rose, and their seven children: Dale (Freda) Wanat, Cleveland, Tennessee; Greg (Krista) Wanat, Birmingham, Alabama; Karen (Keith) Sloan, East Ridge, Tennessee; Kathleen Swick, Atlanta, Georgia; Sandy (Chris) Eslinger, Chattanooga, Tennessee; Cheryl (Mike) Fuery, Ft. Myers, Florida; Ron Wanat, Tampa, Florida; and daughter-in-law Michelle Wanat, Knoxville, Tennessee. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and host of nieces and nephews including beloved goddaughter Judy Geblein Arida, Buffalo, New York.
The family wishes to express their gratitude for the compassionate care delivered to John by CHI Memorial Hospital, Dr. Kaushal Chaudri, Erika McLane, NP, and The Canopy at Boynton Ridge.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to John’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee or a charity of your choice.
A private memorial service will be held at the Chattanooga National Cemetery at a later date.
John will be deeply missed, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home and Crematory, Ft. Oglethorpe.