John Robert Wahl

John Robert Wahl, 79, of Summerville, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 5, 2022 in Charleston. His only complaint was that his ass hurt. Born on July 31, 1943 in Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of the late Jack David Wahl and Lillian Frida (née Kracker) McDonald.

John served honorably in the US Navy for 32 years. He retired from active service as Chief Warrant Officer-4 in April 1992. He served for 16 years in the Submarine Service where he decommissioned the USS Clamagore in 1975. He also served for 16 years in the Surface Fleet. During his service to the country, he was a proud "Shellback" and was awarded the following: Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal with One Gold Star, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (7th Award), Humanitarian Service Medal, Good Conduct Award (7th), National Defense Service Medal with One Bronze Star, Overseas Service Ribbon, Battle "E" Ribbon, and the Sharpshooter Pistol Ribbon. Following his active service, he worked faithfully for the Veterans Affairs Office in Summerville, South Carolina where he assisted countless military veterans with navigating the process for obtaining medical and other due benefits. His family remains exceptionally proud of his active service and the support he has provided to the veterans community in South Carolina. 

During his military service, the family relocated from the US to Japan, Guam, and Scotland before moving back to the US in Summerville. He loved his family and traveled frequently with his wife and children to countries around the world. His most memorable travels were to China, Israel, and several countries throughout Europe. He was an avid golfer for many years and even had two hole-in-ones-one was during an official tournament in Scotland, so we believe that one actually happened. He loved a good joke. 

John is preceded in death by his father Jack Wahl, his mother Lillian McDonald, and his brother Brian McDonald. He is survived by his wife Maureen (Mickie) Wahl, his sister Colleen Aviles and her husband Victor Aviles, the cousin he loved as his brother, Lon Faccini and his wife Mary Facini, and his four devoted children Heather Witmer and her husband Jacob Witmer, Dr. Brian Wahl, Shaun Wahl and his wife Evan Wahl, and Morgen Wahl. He leaves behind five loving grandchildren: Hunter Witmer, Chase Witmer, Olivia Witmer, Weller Wahl, and Wren Wahl. He also leaves behind two dogs, Rusty and Mulligan, who will no longer be as spoiled-but will be lovingly watched after. 

The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 9, 2022 from 2:00-3:00pm at McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation in Goose Creek.  Services with military honors will follow in the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans (www.dav.org). Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation - Goose Creek, 869 St James Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445, (843) 553-1511.