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In Fond Rememberance
of Mr. Jack DeVenney,
Founding Father of the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce, Loyal Chamber Member for 20+ years and Community Steward.
Jack DeVenney, a well-known figure in Wetumpka, died at
his home early Tuesday, May 21, 2013. He was 88.
A Navy veteran who served in World War II, DeVenney filled
several roles in the Wetumpka community. He was an
organizer of many city events, a business owner along
with his wife, and a baton twirling teacher.
“Not many people had the talent and drive that he did,”
said his wife, Shirley.
She said she received many phone calls and visits
Tuesday from those who knew him.
“He affected their lives so much,” she said.
The boat parade during Christmas on the Coosa, the
city’s Crate Race, the New Year’s Celebration and the
Pearl Harbor remembrance all were events started by
DeVenney.
Mayor Jerry Willis honored him a few years ago for his
contributions to the city.
“He was a great Wetumpkian through and through,”
Willis said. “He will be greatly missed.”
The DeVenneys moved to Wetumpka, Shirley’s hometown,
in 1970. They opened A Touch of Class in 1978, a store
specializing in bridal and prom wear.
In a 2009 interview with the Montgomery Advertiser,
DeVenney said Wetumpka had “much to offer,” with “
so much history.”
“I think it’s a wonderful, beautiful little town,” he said.
The couple also taught twirling in Wetumpka for more
than 40 years, training both national and international
champions. When DeVenney was in the Navy, twirling
was a popular male activity, and DeVenney excelled at
the craft, his wife said. In 2002, the couple was inducted
into the National Baton Twirling Hall of Fame.
Shirley DeVenney said her husband became well-known
and well-liked in Wetumpka.
“He fell in love with the city, and the city fell in love with
him,” she said.
DeVenney’s funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday May 25th at First
United Methodist Church of Wetumpka. A visitation is
from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday May 24th at Ellison Funeral Home.
