James M. Wingard

James M. "Cat" Wingard, 81, passed away from respiratory failure Sunday September 30, 2007 in Bartow. Born February 9, 1926 in Dadeville, AL , Mr. Wingard was a longtime Bartow resident. Mr. Wingard worked for W.R. Grace and Company for 40 years before retiring as a Mining Superintendent in 1988. Mr. Wingard was a charter member of Asbury United Methodist Church. He was an avid sportsman and played golf out of Bartow Golf Course for over 50 years. Mr. Wingard also played professional baseball all over the southeast and played locally with the Lakeland Pilots. He was a former member of the American Society of Mining Engineers. Mr. Wingard was a veteran of WWII serving in the Marine Corps, and was a devoted Auburn University fan. He is preceded in death by his first wife Winifred Fields Wingard, and his second wife Hazel Wilson Wingard. Mr. Wingard is survived by his son, Robert C. Wingard and his wife Donna of Bartow, two brothers; Lee Wingard, Jack Wingard, a sister, Sara Kern. He also leaves behind a grandson, Tim Mitchell of Plant City, and two great grandchildren; Emma Mitchell and Zachary Mitchell. Visitation for Mr. Wingard will be Thursday October 4, 2007 from 6 PM to 8 PM at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home in Bartow. Services will follow Friday October 5, 2007 at 10:00 AM at the Funeral Home Chapel. Condolences may be made at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com