Earl Wentz

I KNEW EARL FOR OVER 50 YEARS, FROM THE AGE OF TEN IN THE CHARLOTTE BOYS CHOIR, TO HOLY TRINITY, TO SAINT LUKES, TO EARL WENTS' SCHOOL OF THE PERFORMING ARTS AND FROM THE GROUP, " THE WIND CHIMES. I LAST SAW EARL ON NOV 12, 2009. HE WAS STILL THE TEACHER, GIVING ME TIPS ON THE MUSIC I WAS WORKING ON. EARL WAS A GREAT MUSICIAN, TEACHER AND MOST OF ALL A FRIEND.

I remember Earl from East Mecklenburg High School. He was such a sweet person and will be greatly missed. Earl provided the music at our wedding in February, 1955 and made that day much more memorable for us. He moved in one direction and we in another. My husband, George, became a pipe organ builder and Earl went on to become a great organist on the mighty pipe organ yet our paths never crossed. Have thought of him many times over the years. Had just had contact with him recently...

Dear Bill, and family and friends of Earl, It is with heavy heart that you bury tomorrow your beloved Earl. I did not know him long, only 10 years, but what I gained from his life is unmeasurable. He was the organist at my church in New York, and then took on the unbelievable task of letting us form a choir. There were about 12 of us that gave it our all...and only Earl could bring out the "all" in us. We had goosebumps every time we sang together, and it was Earl that made us feel that...

Dear Bill, and family and friends of Earl, It is with heavy heart that you bury tomorrow your beloved Earl. I did not know him long, only 10 years, but what I gained from his life is unmeasurable. He was the organist at my church in New York, and then took on the unbelievable task of letting us form a choir. There were about 12 of us that gave it our all...and only Earl could bring out the "all" in us. We had goosebumps every time we sang together, and it was Earl that made us feel that...

Everybody loved Earl. He was an inspiration to us all. One of the most gifted people and dear friends I have ever known. I loved him greatly.

I took piano lessons from "Mr. Wentz" when I was in grade school living in Charlotte. Although I never turned into the pianist my mom and probably he thought that I would- he was a patient and kind teacher- and one that I knew was so talented in many ways. He allowed me to participate in some of the plays and musicals that he put on in the Mint Museum and I loved those experiences. I owe my piano playing ability to him(although I should have practiced more)- and I am so glad to know of all...

Dearest Earl, I was writing a special poem to read to you, called Bill to see when would be a good time, and it was at that time you were struggling to live. I know that God gives us the joy that love never dies, it just changes form. I love you forever. I know you heard my heart as I wrote the poem for you.
For Earl Wentz: A Celestial Wind Chime
By Donna Withrow, November 15, 2009

I have a choice.
A choice to climb.
Out of the basement.
The basement...

To those who mourn Earl, I send my personal condolences. He was such a gifted musician and had a wonderful personality. I remember him from high school days at E. Meck. when he was our chorus pianist. His musical ability always amazed me so am not surprised that he was so successful in his musical career. He will never be forgotten.

May God Bless his loved ones left behind. Sincerely,

I always knew that Earl would make his music "sing". At East High many of us always enjoyed hearing and watching him play the piano. May God be with you.