Tom VanWingerden, founder of Metrolina Greenhouses in North Carolina and frequent Legends Car and Thunder Car racer, passed away after a vehicle accident on the business property.
Michael VanWingerden, son of Tom, distributed a statement on behalf of the VanWingerden family in regards to their loss.
"It is with great sadness to let you know our Dad and the company founder, Tom VanWingerden, passed away early this morning after a tragic vehicle accident on the property.
Dad was the visionary founder, a constant inventor, a generous businessman, a missionary in Haiti, a great leader, and most importantly, a great husband, Father, and Grandfather to all of us in his family.
"Metrolina will continue to push forward and we now dedicate our work in Dad's memory as he would want it. He would want none of us to be sad, but instead remember the great life he had, and the wonderful memories each of us have had with him. Dad would also want his legacy to be the continued success of our company and the continued happiness of his family, especially the grandchildren he loved so much.
More detail to follow with the arrangements and details, but please keep Mom and the rest of our family in your prayers.
- The VanWingerdens"
Below is the information we received regarding Tom VanWingerden's funeral arrangements:
"Friends and Family,
Thank you very much for all of the kind, heartfelt notes, calls, and visits we have received in the last 24 hours. As someone told us yesterday, in the 63 short years that Dad was with us on this earth, he packed about 125 years of life into it. While we are all sad, it has been uplifting to see how Dad impacted so many lives in a positive way.
Arrangements for Tom VanWingerden:
Visitation:
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Tuesday, Dec. 22nd
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Calvary Church
5801 Pineville Matthews Road
Charlotte, NC 28226
(704) 341-5361
Service
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Wednesday, Dec. 23rd
11:00 a.m.
Dr. J.L. Williams presiding
Calvary Church
5801 Pineville Matthews Road
Charlotte, NC 28226
(704) 341-5361
Burial
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After the Service:
Ramah Church Cemetery
14401 Ramah Church Road
Huntersville, NC 28078
(704) 875-6683
In lieu of Flowers, please send memorials to Double Harvest as that is what Dad would want.
Double Harvest - Haiti
Tom VanWingerden Memorial Fund
55 South Main Street
Oberlin, OH 44074
www.DoubleHarvest.org
440-714-1694