Robert Wade "The Legend" Wetzel Sr.

Wetzel Sr., Robert Wade "The Legend", 76, of Sunrise, FL, passed away May 27th, 2012. Bob moved to Florida in 1959 with his wife, Mary Lou, from Huntington, West Virginia. The Wetzel's established themselves building one of the first houses in Sunrise, still residing there today. Prior to moving to Florida, Bob was drafted into the U.S. Military (Army) from 1956-1958, specializing in Field Artillery, serving the 8th Division. Bob was a Golden glove boxer and champion in his welterweight division. Bob was the first coach for the Sunrise Spartans football team and coached girls fast pitch softball for several years at Piper High School. Bob coached all ages of girls softball, captivating many winning seasons and championships. After years of coaching boys football, baseball and girls softball, Bob retired from coaching with high respect from coaches and players statewide. Bobs motto was, "Eat good, sleep good, get good grades in school, and just say no to drugs and alcohol". Bob was infamous for his saying, "Alligator" the ball. Bob's passion in life was spending time with his wife and family. He was full of life and inspired many. Bob was an avid sports fan and a dedicated fanatic of the Washington Redskins NFL team. Bob worked for Rex of Florida for 24 years and then worked at Heico Jet Aviation for 18 years and retired in 1998. Bob's philosophy in life was to love and cherish his family. Bob is survived by the love of his life for 56 years, Mary Lou Reger Wetzel. Bob and Mary Lou have five children: Robert Wetzel Jr. (Beverly), Suzanne Wetzel (John) Ray, Melvin (Donna) Wetzel, Randy (Donna) Wetzel, Rodney (Nardine) Wetzel; grandchildren: John Ray III, Amy Wetzel, Danielle Ray, Jennifer Wetzel, Robert Wetzel III, Michael Wetzel, Scotty Wetzel, Steven Wetzel, Mickey Wetzel, Mary Fallon Wetzel, Randy Wetzel II (Bub), Jeremy Wetzel, Kiersten Wetzel, Keira Wetzel, Petey Wetzel; great-grandchildren: Austin Kelly Ray, Veronica Ray, Taylor Ray, Haven Ray, Cody Kunca, Harley Jade Doty; sister Joanne (Walter) Watts; brothers-in-law Ronald Reger and Harold Reger. Bob is also survived by best friend Irma Bright and faithful side kick dog "Rusty". Preceded in death by parents, Karl Wade Wetzel and Eugie Mae Burton Wetzel, sister Wilma Jean Miller and son Butch Stewart, brother-in-law Henry Reger, mother and father-in-law Melvin Adolf Reger and Lina Lee Adkins Reger and Granddaughter Shontelle Leanne Ray. Friends will be received on Friday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the T.M. Ralph Funeral Home Sawgrass/Weston 371 NW 136 Avenue Sunrise, FL 33325. A funeral service, including military honors will be held at 6:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Palm Beach School for Autism. Contact Josh Hirsch at 561-533-9117 or The Cornelia De Lange Foundation at cdlsusa.org.