John Bernard Weddington

John Bernard Weddington, 73, passed away Friday morning, October 11, 2024. Born March 29, 1951 in Rowan County, he was the son of the late Butler and Dorothy Goodman Weddington.  

He graduated from South Rowan High School in 1969, attended Mitchell College and graduated from Rowan Technical College with an associates degree in Manufacturing Engineering. He worked for Patterson Farms as a teenager and returned after college.  

In 1985, he established John Weddington Greenhouse. While he worked hard growing plants and growing the business, he never considered it a job, but a labor of love, often working alongside his family. He was admired as a master plantsman, supplying independent garden centers from Charlotte to Winston-Salem, and growing poinsettias for local retail, churches and fundraisers. He employed and mentored many high school students and enjoyed employing friends who were recently retired.  

While John never fully retired, he had transferred daily operations of the business to his son and enjoyed traveling with his wife and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.  

He was a lifelong member of Grace Lutheran Church, Salisbury, serving on the Church Council several times.  

Family members left with cherished memories include his wife of 51 years, Alice Morgan Weddington; his daughter, Megan Bame and husband, Andy of Salisbury, NC; son, Kurt Weddington and wife, Emily of China Grove; sisters, Jane VonCanon (Marvin) of China Grove, Gail Oakley (Mike) of Mooresville and Sue Weddington of Salisbury; his grandchildren Luke and Audrey Bame, Eva, Ella and Coy Weddington; nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Grace Lutheran Church, Salisbury. Visitation will be held at 1:00 in the Family Life Center, followed by the celebration of life at 3:00 in the Sanctuary. Graveside service will follow. 

Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, Kids for Camp Fund, 3020 Grace Church Road, Salisbury, NC 28147. 

Whitley’s Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be sent to www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.