Greg Rydelek, 76, of Waynesville, North Carolina passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, with his beloved family by his side. Greg was the son of Edmund Rydelek, Helen Rydelek of California, and stepmother Helen Rydelek of Michigan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Paul Rydel, a grandson Jeffery Stafford, and a son-in-law William Cagle.
Greg is survived by his wife of 32 years, Sarah Rydelek; children, Corey Cagle, Deanna Stafford, Winter Hamilton-Hunt; step-children Jed Tate (Teresa), Chris Tate, Jill “Hope” Brouwer; grandchildren Samuel and Edie Tate, Cameron Brouwer; as well as countless friends and loved ones. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Greg was an avid surfer in his youth in California. He often surfed in the morning before arriving at school, covered in sand, just in time for second period. After graduation, he joined the Air Force where he strengthened his skills working on military aircraft. After returning from Taiwan and finishing his service, he made his way to North Carolina with his daughters and first wife, Mary, where he had a small farm in the White Oak community. Around this time, his entrepreneurial side kicked in and he opened his own business, Greg's Auto Shop, which he ran for forty years and gained a reputation for being an honest mechanic. In the mid 80s, Greg met the rest of his family, including his second wife, Sarah, and sons. We will carry great memories of his love for bowling and dancing with his wife Sarah, how proud he was of his Polish lineage, yearly camping trips with loved ones, playing horseshoes, stories of surfing in his youth, watching racing & football to root for the Washington Redskins, and the way he brought the joy of laughter to everyone around him. Greg deeply loved his family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, January 21, 2023, in the chapel of Garrett Funeral Home in Waynesville, NC, and a gathering of family and friends will follow the service. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com for the Rydelek family. Flowers are welcomed or donations in memory of Greg Rydelek may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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