J. Wendell Lancaster

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 pm Saturday, January 6, 2007, in the sanctuary of Free Chapel Worship Center for J. Wendell Lancaster of Gainesville.

Mr. Lancaster died Thursday morning, January 4, 2007, at his residence. Reverend Jentezen Franklin and Reverend Richie Franklin will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6-9 pm Friday, January 5, 2007, in the sanctuary of Free Chapel Worship Center at 3001 McEver Road. Burial will be Saturday at Memorial Park Cemetery following the service.

Mr. Lancaster was a lifelong resident of Gainesville and founder of J. Wendell Lancaster Jewelry and Music Company in downtown Gainesville. Over the years he was involved in a number of other retail businesses and real estate developments in Gainesville. He was past president of the Gainesville Downtown Merchants Association. During that time he met with various members of Congress to obtain funding for construction of the Georgia Mountains Center. Mr. Lancaster served in the United States Army during World War II. During his lifetime, Mr. Lancaster served for many years as deacon, Sunday school superintendent, and choir director. He was a member of the Free Chapel Worship Center.

Mr. Lancaster is survived by his wife, Katie Franklin Lancaster; daughter and son-in-law, Winnie and Fred Halter, Gainesville; son and daughter-in-law, Joey and Lynn Lancaster, Gainesville; grandchildren, John and Rachel Lancaster, Nashville; Emily and Brant Barron, Gainesville; Rick Halter, Dalton; Colby and Mary Lynn Kidd, Atlanta; and Tybee Halter, Virginia Beach, VA; and step-children, Rev. Jentezen and Cherise Franklin, Gainesville; Rev. Richie and Rhenea Franklin, Cartersville; Doyle and Kathy Franklin, Gastonia, NC; Larry and Jill Jones, Lawrenceville; Larry and Jennifer Horrell, Wilmington, NC; and 15 step-grandchildren.

Mr. Lancaster was preceded in death by his wife, Mary (Wall) Lancaster.

Memorial Park Funeral Home of Gainesville, Georgia.