Henry Thomas Glenn Wardenga

Adventurers are those who embrace the world with all of their senses.  They have a large capacity to feel the earth under their feet.  They grab ahold of boulders, breathe in the fresh mountain air, climb, wade, swim, and fully take in the natural world.  Many of them are tender hearts and kindness oozes out of them.  They have a different take on things that is not always understood, and so they are loners who long for the outdoors every spare moment. Their families desire nothing more than to love them fiercely because of their deep connections to creation. Glenn Wardenga was such an adventurer. He was loved abundantly by his family, who understood his longing for the wilderness.  He loved all things out-of-doors.  His gentleness was nurtured by the wind.  His kindness cultivated by the wildlife. His strength developed by the mountains. His soul could not be contained in small spaces, and now, it is not.  Freedom to roam for eternity is his…in and through Christ.  Joined now with God, the creation and the creator at peace with each other in unity.        Isaiah 40:31       I Corinthians 9:23-25 

Mr. Henry Thomas Glenn Wardenga went home to be with the Lord September 24, 2016. He was 29 years old.  Glenn was born in Gainesville, Georgia on July 29, 1987, the first born son to Tom and Nadine Wardenga. He was raised in White County and attended White County Schools.  Running was his sport and he participated in both Cross Country and Track and Field. In his spare time, he could be found hiking, climbing, or fishing in the mountains.  Glenn graduated from White County High School in 2006 and then went to work for Wardenga Enterprises helping cater events and making our beloved Nadine’s Chicken Salad.  Ask anyone about Glenn and you will hear words like tenderhearted, generous, kind, and giving.  He was always willing to help anyone in need. He exemplified all these traits and more.  He was a meek and humble soul who will be missed greatly by all those who knew and loved him.   

Survivors: Parents Tom and Nadine Wardenga of Cleveland, GA; Brother John Wardenga of Cleveland, GA; His beloved dog Rusty; Grandmother, Gladys Wardenga of McDonough, GA;  Aunt Glenda Ann Davis of Cleveland, GA;  Uncle and Aunt Bill and Susan Mcleer of McDonough,GA; Uncle and Aunt Robert and Debbie Wardenga of Gainesville, Florida; as well as many cousins. A host of forever friends, Mr. and Mrs. Rush Mauney and Jessamine;  Mr. and Mrs. Benji Allison; Mr. and Mrs. Gary Black and Chris; Mr. and Mrs. Gary Dameron and Michael; Mr. and Mrs. Dale Auten; Adoptive grandparents Gail Beckett, Mrs. Claude Lovell, and Mrs. Albert Taylor.   

A celebration of life ceremony will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday October 8, 2016 at Glenn’s Orchard, 996 Harkins Road (Kellum Valley).  Reverend Gary Skeen, Reverend Mike Hoffman, and Reverend Alan Morris will be presiding.  Other speakers include: friend Rush Mauney, friend Dan Chalk, and teacher Brad Abernathy. Dress is casual.  Everyone is welcome. BBQ reception following.  In case of inclement weather, the memorial will be held at Woodlands Camp in the chapel. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Glenn’s memory should be made to Woodlands Camp at this link. http://www.woodlandscamp.org/give-online/ 

Online condolences can be made to the family at barrettfh.com 

Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland.