William Ogden Plyler

William Ogden Plyler, born July 20, 1948 passed away Friday, February 24, 2012. He was a graduate of East High School, Class of 1966. He attended the University of Southern Mississippi where he played football and later the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. With his partner, Charlie Rodgers, he brought Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers to the South with the opening of the first Wendy's Restaurant in Memphis. He later built Wenco Franchise Management Company into 56 stores in the Mid-South and surrounding areas. He was inducted into the Wendy's Hall of Fame. He had a love for the cattle business and owned and operated the Double WW Ranch in Fayette County. He was an avid golfer and past two term President of Colonial Country Club. He was active in the Memphis Handicappers Golf Tournament benefitting Harwood Center where he was a past board member. He also supported the Memphis Exchange Club. He enjoyed duck hunting with friends and family at the Bear Bayou Hunting Club in Arkansas where he was a longtime member. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tracy and Anne Plyler and brother Tommy Plyler. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Suzanne Overton Plyler; son, William Ogden Plyler II (Lauren); daughter, Claire Plyler Cox (William) and three grandchildren, Mary Claire Cox, Wiley Cox and Frances Plyler who all lovingly called him Woppie. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Plyler (Suzanne) and two sisters, Tracy Heffernan and Mary Ellen Plyler. He is also survived by countless cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at Grace St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Tuesday, February 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The service will begin at 1 p.m. at Grace St. Luke's Episcopal Church. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials can be sent to Harwood Center, the Exchange Club or St. Andrew's Episcopal Church or the charity of your choice.

Canale Funeral Directors
901-452-6400
www.canalefuneraldirectors.com