Mr. Wendell Hugh Lusk

Wendell Hugh Lusk, 65, beloved husband, father, son, and brother, passed away unexpectedly on May 13, 2025, at Oconee Memorial Hospital. A native of Salem, SC, he graduated from Tamassee-Salem High School in 1978, where he was a star player on the boys’ basketball team. Through the years, he became a self-taught master craftsman and he developed numerous skill levels of many varieties. Whether it be working with wood, steel, or any other raw or salvaged material, he could create and fabricate anything that he set his mind to. His talents carried him through various employments throughout his life, with each one perfecting his talents and skills and love for all things handcrafted and handmade. He retired from the Oconee County School District as a phenomenal cabinet craftsman, with his greatest work accomplishments being the cabinetry that he designed, fabricated, and built for the new Walhalla High School, which opened in 2015, as well as the cabinetry in the new Oconee County School District offices. Wendell was a true example of a humble servant. Whether it be a community need that arose, a family member needing help, or just a friend that needed a voice of reassurance, he was always there, showing up without being asked. He spent many years in the Walhalla Rec Department coaching kids of various ages in a variety of sports, led by his compassion to helping children have the chance and opportunity to be a part of something good and positive, where otherwise they may not have had. In his young adult years, he was a volunteer member for Oconee County Rescue Squads and accomplished becoming an EMT. His love for helping others and for helping his communities was always evident in his actions. He was an avid golfer and member of Oconee Country Club in his free time and was a member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church, where he helped with teaching the RA boys. He was also a member of Blue Ridge Masonic Lodge #92, where he served as a past Master Mason. Wendell is survived by his wife: Dianne; his son: Taylor, whom he was extremely proud of; his father: Ralph Lusk; three sisters: Diane Whitmire (Tim) of Tamassee, SC, Sherrie McJunkin (Mark) of Westminster, SC, and Sandra McCurry (Troy) of West Union, SC; several nieces and nephews; special aunt: Joey Queen of Mountain Rest, SC; and his four-pawed buddy: Mokie. Wendell was preceded in death by his mother: Frances Marion Johnson; and brother: Randall Edward Lusk. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Poplar Springs Baptist Church, with burial to follow at Oconee Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, prior to the service, at Poplar Springs Baptist Church. Flowers are accepted, or memorials may be made to Poplar Springs Baptist Church, PO Box 458, Walhalla, SC 29691. The family is at their respective homes.

Mr. Wendell Hugh Lusk

October 19, 1959 - May 13, 2025